Govt worried over Iraq crisis

The government expressed deep concern over the current crisis in Iraq, especially the unfolding humanitarian crisis amid rebel onslaughts and air strikes on them.     An official announcement in Dhaka Sunday carried the government concern and message that the Bangladesh Embassy in Baghdad "is in touch with Bangladesh nationals working in Iraq to ensure their safety and wellbeing".
In the release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said suspension of sending workers to Iraq will remain in force until improvement of security situation in the Arab country.
Issued by the External Publicity Wing of the ministry, it said the government is closely monitoring the current situation in Iraq and that Bangladesh strongly condemns violence and atrocities.
"Bangladesh reaffirms its solidarity with Iraq and its people, and underscores the need for maintaining Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity with the continuation of democratic process," the foreign ministry stated in the release.
Rebels of IS (Islamic State) in Iraq and Syria hav seized swathes of land in eastern Syria and northern and western Iraq in recent months, declaring it a "caliphate". The jihadists, in their declared march on Baghdad, have also seized Mosul dam - Iraq's largest - where they have hoisted their black flags and are patrolling its perimeter.
In the meantime, the United States military is conducting air strikes on the Sunni rebels avowedly in defence of the government in Baghdad and the civilian people.