India expresses solidarity with Bangla govt

Viewing the mutiny in Bangladesh as an effort to destabilise the Sheikh Hasina government, India on Monday expressed solidarity with her dispensation and conveyed readiness to extend whatever support and assistance that Dhaka may require at the present juncture.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee wrote to the Bangladesh prime minister expressing "great shock" at the tragedy that has unfolded over the last few days in Dhaka.

In the letter, Mukherjee noted that such barbaric acts like the mutiny by Bangladesh Rifles men had no place in a civilised society, external affairs ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said.

"Mukherjee unequivocally condemned the same as also all efforts aimed at destabilising a democratically- elected government in Bangladesh," the spokesman said.

The external affairs minister expressed solidarity with Hasina and her government in "this hour of difficulty" and said, "India stands ready to extend whatever support and assistance that Bangladesh may require at this juncture."

Mukherjee also conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the government and people of India to the Bangladesh army and the families of those who lost their near and dear ones in the incidents.

BDR personnel stormed the force's headquarters last week and massacred at least 73 military personnel, including their chief, a Major General-rank officer from the Bangladesh army, before surrendering.