DHAKA, Dec 19, 2023 (BSS) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today expressed profound shock and sorrow at the casualties of the deadliest earthquake in years in remote villages of northwest China's Gansu province.

Over one hundred people died and several hundreds were injured in the tremor just before the last midnight.

In a letter of condolence addressing to Chinese President Xi Jinping, she said, “I am deeply saddened and shocked to know about the tragic loss of many lives and the destruction of properties and infrastructures caused by a devastating earthquake that took place in the Gansu Province of China on the night of 18th December 2023.”

She continued sharing the pains and sense of loss of the affected people and their bereaved family members, who have lost their near and dear ones in this tragic natural disaster.

 “As a longstanding friend of China, the People and the Government of Bangladesh also join me in expressing their earnest sympathies at the hardship inflicted on the friendly Chinese People by this natural catastrophe. I extend my profound condolences to you, as well as pray for the early recovery of the injured people. ” she said.

The Prime Minister expressed her confidence that China will successfully continue its rescue efforts under President Xi’s close guidance as well as fortitude and will soon restore normalcy to the lives of the People of Gansu Province.