The envoy denounced the incident as a "sad, unfortunate and condemnable" act. "It is good for the nation and the people that you (Hasina) are alive," he said.

Hasina said she always does politics for the people and wants to establish secular democratic practices in the country.

Hasina's Political Secretary Saber Hossain Chowdhury and Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad were present.

Later, family members of Mahbub Alam, the deceased personal bodyguard of the opposition leader, met with Hasina at Sudha Sadan. Mahbub was killed in the August 21 grenade attack at Bangabandhu Avenue.

The Awami League President assured the family members of helping arrange wedding of Mahbub's sister and handed over Tk 1 lakh to his mother. She also assured support for education of Mahbub's children from Bangabandhu Trust.

CPC leader
Another report adds: Vice-Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Cai Wu condemned the assassination attempt on Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina.

The Chinese leader made the statement when he called on Awami League International Affairs Secretary Syed Abul Hossain MP at Beijing Hotel in China yesterday, said a message received in Dhaka.