Modi phones Hasina, expresses condolence

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called his Bangladesh counterpart and expressed his condolence for the hostage situation at Holey Artisan Bakery that claimed the lives of 28 people.

In a twitter message he said, "The attack in Dhaka has pained us beyond words. I spoke to PM Sheikh Hasina and strongly condemned the despicable attack."

He then tweeted, "India stands firmly with our sisters & brothers of Bangladesh in this hour of grief. The attack in Dhaka has pained us beyond words. I spoke to PM Sheikh Hasina & strongly condemned the despicable attack."

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal in her twitter message said "Praying for the safety of all impacted by the terror attack in #Dhaka, including the law enforcement and security forces."

British Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Hugo Swire also strongly condemned the incident and expressed deep shock at the death of the victims.

"Utterly condemn appalling and senseless #BangladeshAttack," he said in a twitter statement yesterday.

In another twitter message, he also said "Shocked #BangladeshAttack. FCO in contact with local authorities. Thoughts with victims & families."

Former President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa in his twitter message said "Another horrific terrorist attack, this time in Dhaka, Bangladesh. I pray the affected families find strength to overcome this great loss."

Outgoing Danish Ambassador in Dhaka Hanne Fugl Eskjaer tweeted "Our hearts are bleeding for #Bangladesh & the victims of #BangladeshAttack".