THE shocking news that hit the headlines of international media on Friday after 49 people were killed and at least 20 others critically injured by the gunmen at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand; the worst attack in country’s history. As many as 41 people died at one mosque, seven at another and one person died in hospital. Of the dead, three persons were of Bangladeshi origin. Besides, four other Bangladeshis were injured in the shooting. Some other Bangladeshis are reportedly still missing.
The gunman opened indiscriminate fire at worshippers, including women and children, who had gathered for Friday Jumma prayers. Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern termed it a well-planned “terrorist attack”. Two explosive devices attached to suspect vehicles were found and were disarmed by police.
According to a video clip that went viral on social media, a gunman – dressed in black with a helmet carrying a machine gun – came into the back of the mosque and started firing into the people praying there. Police said four suspects, including a woman, were apprehended in connection with the attacks. Police have warned worshippers not to visit mosques; anywhere in New Zealand. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison instantly condemned the attack and said one of the suspects was an Australian national, calling him an “extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist”.
Following the incident, the third and final Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand at Christchurch has been cancelled. We’re grateful to the Almighty that members of Bangladesh Cricket Team were set to perform their Jumma prayers at the mosques, but they were warned just minutes before not to go inside.
What’s alarming that, across the European Union and different states of the US, people face hatred because of their skin colour, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexuality, in the recent days. Though the US, EU and its member states have introduced laws against hate crime, it failed to save the innocents. The mass-killing in Christchurch is a bright example of hate crime.
We condemn such killing of innocent people. Any sort of hatred – in the form of racism or radicalism-cannot be accepted in the modern world.
The gunman opened indiscriminate fire at worshippers, including women and children, who had gathered for Friday Jumma prayers. Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern termed it a well-planned “terrorist attack”. Two explosive devices attached to suspect vehicles were found and were disarmed by police.
According to a video clip that went viral on social media, a gunman – dressed in black with a helmet carrying a machine gun – came into the back of the mosque and started firing into the people praying there. Police said four suspects, including a woman, were apprehended in connection with the attacks. Police have warned worshippers not to visit mosques; anywhere in New Zealand. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison instantly condemned the attack and said one of the suspects was an Australian national, calling him an “extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist”.
Following the incident, the third and final Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand at Christchurch has been cancelled. We’re grateful to the Almighty that members of Bangladesh Cricket Team were set to perform their Jumma prayers at the mosques, but they were warned just minutes before not to go inside.
What’s alarming that, across the European Union and different states of the US, people face hatred because of their skin colour, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexuality, in the recent days. Though the US, EU and its member states have introduced laws against hate crime, it failed to save the innocents. The mass-killing in Christchurch is a bright example of hate crime.
We condemn such killing of innocent people. Any sort of hatred – in the form of racism or radicalism-cannot be accepted in the modern world.
