Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has expressed shock at the casualties following an explosion in a commercial building in Dhaka.
He sent a message to his Bangladesh counterpart Dr AK Abdul Momen, according to the embassy in Dhaka.
“I am shocked to learn that an explosion occurred in a commercial building in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, which caused heavy casualties,” read the message.
“I hereby extend my deep condolences to the victims and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families. And I wish the injured a full and quick recovery.”
The massive explosion on Tuesday near a BRTC bus counter in the capital’s Gulistan area has so far left 21 people dead.
Three people, including the owner of the 7-storey building at Siddique Bazar where the deadly explosion took place, were arrested in a case over the blast.
Those arrested are Wahidur Rahman, 46, owner of the building, Matiur Rahman, 36, brother of Wahidur and Motaleb Mintu, 36.
A four-member probe body headed by Lt Col Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, director of Fire Service and Civil Defense (Operation and maintenance), has been formed to investigate the explosion.
The committee was asked to submit its report within five working days.
