Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Secretary General and former Member of Parliament Professor Mia Golam Porwar, issued the following statement today, 1 September expressing deep condolences on the heartbreaking tragedy of hundreds of deaths caused by the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan.

“On the late night of 31 August, a dreadful earthquake struck two remote provinces of Afghanistan, reducing in moments thousands of people’s dreams, hopes, and homes of love into rubble. According to the information received so far, more than 622 innocent people have lost their lives, hundreds have been injured, and countless families have been rendered destitute. On behalf of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and myself, I express my deepest condolences and sympathy over this heart-wrenching tragic accident.

He further said, the pain of the mothers who have lost their children, the children who have suddenly become fatherless, and the families who have lost their shelter and loved ones and are today submerged in tears, is beyond the expression of words. This grief is not just Afghanistan’s grief, it is the grief of all humanity. The people of Bangladesh also stand from the depths of their hearts beside their Afghan brothers and sisters in this time of distress.

I pray to Almighty Allah seeking forgiveness of the departed souls, also for the speedy recovery of the injured, and I extend my deepest sympathy to the bereaved families. May Almighty Allah, Lord of the Universe, grant our Afghan brothers and sisters the strength and patience to overcome this severe calamity.”