Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has offered condolences following the train collision in eastern Bangladesh.

FM Shahid sent a message of condolences to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen on Tuesday.

In his message, the Maldivian foreign minister expressed immense sorrow to hear about the train collision in Bhairab, that resulted in the loss of many lives and hundreds of injuries.

FM Shahid conveyed heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Bangladesh on behalf of the people and government of Maldives, especially to those who were directly affected by the tragedy. 

The Maldivian foreign minister went on to express hope that emergency response teams succeed and wished for a speedy recovery for those affected.

FM Shahid offered assurances of his highest consideration.

At least 17 people were killed after a passenger train collided into a freight train in Bhairab in eastern Bangladesh, according to Reuters. The collision occurred about 50 miles northeast of capital Dhaka.

Dhaka authorities have confirmed that 17 bodies were recovered and many injured were taken to the hospital, with the death toll expected to climb as rescue operations proceed.