Jurucakap Pesuruhjaya Tinggi Bangladesh Di Singapura menafikan keterlibatan warganya dalam rusuhan di Little India, Singapura.
Komuniti Bangladesh juga diseru agar tenang dan bekerjasama. Rusuhan yang berawal dari kejadian warga negara India mati dilanggar sebuah bas milik persendirian, tercetus ketika pihak berkuasa mahu memembawa mayat mangsa ke hospital.
Mereka merosakkan lima kereta peronda polis dan sebuah ambulans. Beberapa kenderaan persendirian juga dirosakkan dan sekurang-kurangnya dua letupan kedengaran di tempat kejadian.
" Dalam laporan beberapa media disebutkan seorang pekerja Bangladesh dilanggar dan menimbulkan rusuhan. Saya ingin jelaskan bahawa berdasarkan loran tersebut tidak berdasarkan bukti yang sahih. Saya menggesa agar komuniti Bangladesh agar tenang dan bekerjasama dengan pihak berkuasa. Ini adalah penting untuk membolehkan pihak berkuasa menjalankan tugas dan tanggungjawab mereka."
No Bangladeshi involved in accident that triggered Little India riot, community must remain calm: Embassy
Reports that a Bangladeshi worker was involved in an accident which triggered a riot in Little India yesterday (Dec 8) have been refuted by the Bangladesh High Commissioner in Singapore.
The Bangladesh community has also been requested to stay calm and cooperative, reports an article on The Straits Times.
The riot was was apparently sparked off by a fatal accident involving an Indian national knocked down by a private bus, when a mob turned on personnel who were trying to extradicate the body.
They damaged five police vehicles and one ambulance. Several other private vehicles were also damaged and there were at least two explosions at the scene.
A statement issued by the embassy said: "In some press and media reports there has been unsubstantiated news reporting which says that a Bangladeshi worker was hit by a bus that escalated the riot incident."
"I want to categorically state that as per available information the news reports that appeared on a section of media and news involving a Bangladeshi worker is not based on facts."
"I would request the Bangladesh community to exercise utmost calm and restraint and fully cooperate with the law enforcement agencies.
The statement said they are "duty bound to help the authorities to maintain rule of law , order and discipline in the society and community."
"This is necessary to maintain overall law and order and also to ensure that the law enforcement agencies can carry out their duties and responsibilities," the statement added.
"We would also like to take this opportunity to extend our hands of cooperation and assistance to the government and relevant agencies." - THE STRAITS TIMES