Bangladesh blast injures British High Commissioner

The British High Commissioner to Bangladesh was injured today in a bomb attack during prayers at a Muslim shrine.

The British High Commissioner to Bangladesh was injured today in a bomb attack during prayers at a Muslim shrine.

About 40 people were said to have been injured during Friday's noon prayers. Anwar Choudhury, the senior British diplomat in Bangladesh, was among those hurt, along with his body guard, a Bangladeshi policeman.

The Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said: "I am deeply shocked by news of this bomb and I extend my sympathies to all the victims and their families. Details of exactly what happened and the nature of the injuries are not clear," he said.

"We are grateful for the support we are receiving from the Bangladeshi authorities."

Mr Choudhury was reportedly being flown back to the capital Dhaka by Army helicopter.

The Foreign Office said it was still not clear how badly Mr Choudhury was hurt.

He was believed to have been attending Friday's noon prayers at the Hazrat Shahjalal shrine in Sylhet city, 120 miles north east of Dhaka.

There is thought to be a large community of people in the area bearing dual British–Bangladeshi nationality.

Officials were investigating whether any other British citizens were hurt in the blast, a Foreign Office spokesman said.

Local police said at least one Bangladeshi man was killed in the attack.

No one has yet claimed responsibility.