Remarks by H.E. Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, High Commissioner
at MCCI’s Memorial Event for Victims of Terror Attack
Dhaka, August 10, 2016

• Mr. Syed Nasim Manzur, President of the MCCI
• Presidents of the Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations (FBCCI, ICC, DCCI, CCCI, FICCI, BGMEA and BTMA)
• My colleagues the Ambassadors of Italy, Japan and the United States of America
• Ladies and Gentlemen

The terrorist attack in Dhaka on 1st July has left a deep and painful impact on many of us gathered here this evening.  For the families and friends of the victims of the attack, the loss has been irreparable. 

I wish to join you in conveying our heartfelt empathy and condolences to the families of the victims.

The President, Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister of India have strongly condemned the terrorist attack and conveyed to the Government and people of Bangladesh our strong support in their fight against terrorism.  In a video conference with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that Bangladesh was not alone in its fight against terror, the people of India stood firmly with Bangladesh.

India condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. There can be no justification for such senseless acts of violence (as at Holey Bakery), in the same way that there can be no good or bad terrorists. 

Bangladesh has announced a policy of ‘zero tolerance’ towards terrorism, and adopted a comprehensive approach in fighting terrorism at all levels with the support of the people.  We look forward to working with the Government of Bangladesh in its efforts to defeat the forces of terrorism, and the ideologies of fundamentalism and extremism.     

As you know, one of the victims of the terrorist attack of 1 July was a young Indian national, Tarishi Jain.  Her death has been heavy on her family and all those who knew this young, cheerful individual full of potential for the life ahead of her.  On behalf of the people of India, I convey my grateful thanks to the MCCI and other Chambers of Commerce for organizing this memorial meeting.  I will convey your condolences to the parents of Tarishi.  May she and the other victims of the attack rest in peace.

I will end with a Sanskrit verse, which goes as follow:

ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय |
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय |
मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ।
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

Meaning:
1: Lead us from Unreality to Reality (of the Eternal Self),
2: Lead us from Darkness (of Ignorance) to Light (of Spiritual Knowledge),
3: Lead us from the Fear of Death to the Knowledge of Immortality.
4: Om Peace, Peace, Peace.

Thank you

*****