Bangladesh reiterates solidarity with Saudi Arabia in fighting against terrorism

Bangladesh has reiterated its “support and solidarity” with the Saudi Arabia in its fight against terrorism in the wake of recent missile attacks by Yemen's Houthi-Saleh militias targeting the Holy city of Makkah.

Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, speaking on behalf of Bangladesh at a special OIC meeting in Makkah, on Thursday also called upon the international community and organisations for their role in preventing recurrence of such attacks. 

“I take this opportunity to reiterate Bangladesh’s commitment to stand by the Government and the brotherly people of the Kingdom to protect and secure the two holy mosques and their sanctity,” Ali said. 

“Such hopeless attacks can be construed as attempts to foil efforts for a political solution of the problem of Yemen through peaceful means”.

Bangladesh also reiterated its support for Yemeni “legitimacy” and supports the efforts of the UN towards finding a solution that guarantees peace and stability of Yemen within its sovereignty and territorial integrity.  

The meeting took place at the request of Saudi Arabia following the Saudi-led coalition’s statement on Oct 27 that it had destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Yemen's Houthi militia toward Makkah before it could do any damage.

The Shia Muslim Houthis confirmed the launch of a Burkan-1 ballistic missile into Saudi Arabia in a statement on their official news agency. But it said it had been aimed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, the kingdom's busiest airport.

Bangladesh earlier on Oct 31 in a statement "strongly condemned such attacks on the very fundamental symbol of faith and unity of Muslim Ummah".

The foreign minister on Thursday said targeting “Islam’s holiest places in this foolhardy and desperate manner show the height of disrespect to the feelings of the Muslim Ummah”.