EU Ambassador to Bangladesh and British High Commissioner condemned the killing of Italian aid worker and expressed dismay following the savage assassination of Cesare Tavella, employed by a Netherlands-based NGO, in Dhaka.

Condemning this "terrorist crime" in the strongest possible terms, Pierre Mayaudon urged the law enforcement agencies to promptly investigate this barbaric aggression and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Tavella came to Bangladesh to help the poorest of the poor which makes this crime even more horrific, Mayaudon said in a statement.

The EU ambassador conveyed his condolences to Travella's family, friends and colleagues.

All staff of the EU delegation in Bangladesh joined him in expressing their sorrow as well as their solidarity with the deceased's loved ones, according to a press release of the EU issued this morning.

British High Commissioner's statement

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Gibson said in a statement, "It was a horrifying and cowardly crime against an aid worker working for the people of Bangladesh, helping the most vulnerable. I extend my deepest condolences to Tavella's family and friends".

Earlier yesterday, Cesare was shot dead by armed criminals in the capital's Gulshan diplomatic zone.