Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has expressed deep sorrow and condemnation over a reported Houthi attack on an international airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which the organisation said killed 12 people, including two Bangladeshis, and injured more than 300 passengers and civilians.
In a condolence statement sent to the media on Monday, Hefazat Ameer Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari and Secretary General Allama Shaikh Sajidur Rahman condemned the attack and called for compensation and medical assistance for the victims and their families.
“Such a reprehensible attack on a completely civilian facility like an international airport can in no way be acceptable. It is a gross violation of international law, fundamental human rights and humanitarian values,” the leaders said.
They added that such terrorist attacks on innocent people had deeply shaken the conscience of the world.
The Hefazat leaders prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased, including the two Bangladeshis, and expressed their deepest condolences to the bereaved families. They also wished the injured a speedy and full recovery.
Considering the severity of the attack and the human suffering caused, the leaders called on the Saudi government and relevant international organisations to ensure adequate financial compensation for all affected families, including those of the deceased Bangladeshis.
They also demanded that the injured receive the best available medical treatment free of charge and that the affected families be provided with urgent humanitarian assistance.
The leaders further said the bodies of the deceased Bangladeshis should be repatriated promptly for burial with dignity if their families wished, or arrangements should be made for respectful burials in Saudi Arabia.
They urged Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment to take swift and effective diplomatic measures to ensure that the bereaved families receive their rightful legal entitlements and compensation.
Calling for an end to attacks on civilian facilities, including airports, the Hefazat leaders urged the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the international community to take firm and visible action to safeguard regional peace and stability.
In the statement, they prayed to Almighty Allah to grant patience to the bereaved families and prayed for lasting peace, security and stability across the Middle East and the world.
