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BSS-26
BANGLADESH-BEIRUT-CASUALTY
2 Bangladeshis killed, 21 navy personnel injured in Beirut blast
DHAKA, Aug 5, 2020 (BSS) – Bangladesh Embassy in Lebanon today confirmed that at least two Bangladeshi nationals were killed in yesterday’s blast in Beirut while ISPR said 21 Bangladesh Navy personal were injured in the huge explosion that left more than 100 died.
Bangladesh Embassy in Lebanese capital Beirut confirm the Bangladeshi casualty referring hospital source hours after the devastated blast near Beirut port where a towering grain silo had been shattered.
The Bangladesh mission also urged all to inform the Embassy through its hotline number – +96781744207, if they come to know about any more casualties.
Meanwhile, Inter Services Public Relation Directorate (ISPR) said 21 members of Bangladesh Navy, who are on duty at Beirut port under the Maritime Task Force (MTF) deployed as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission were injured in the huge blast.
One of the injured Navy personnel admitted at American University of Beirut Medical Centre with critical condition while others were taken to Hamoud Hospital by helicopter or ambulance under the supervision of United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The injured navy personnel, crew members of Bangladesh Navy’s battleship BN ‘Bijoy’, are now out of danger except one and they are undergoing treatment under the arrangement of UNIFIL, said the release.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Lebanon Major General Jahangir Al Mustahidur Rahman has already visited the ‘Bijoy’ while the authority concerned is now assessing the losses caused by the explosion under close supervision of Head of Mission and Force Commander and Maritime Taskfoce Commander of UNIFIL, said the release.
During the visit, the Bangladesh ambassador pledged to provide all support in ensuring treatment of the victims.
The Bangladesh Navy battleship has been participating in UN Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon since 2010.
“Until now over 4,000 people have been injured and over 100 have lost their lives. Our teams are still conducting search and rescue operations in the surrounding areas,” the Lebanese Red Cross said in a statement today.
Residents of Beirut awoke to a scene of utter devastation on Wednesday while smoke was rising from the port, major downtown streets were littered with debris and damaged vehicles, and building facades were blown out.
It was unclear what caused the blast, which appeared to have been triggered by a fire and struck with the force of an earthquake, international media reported.
BSS/PR/TA/GA/1710 hrs