Foreign Adviser of the Bangladeshi caretaker government Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury Tuesday expressed deep shock at the loss of lives and properties caused by a powerful earthquake that struck southwestern China on Monday.

The Adviser has written a letter to Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, expressing his "shock at the disaster that has struck China in the form of the earthquake that has led to the loss of so many Chinese lives," a press release said Tuesday.

In his letter the adviser further stated that, "We grieve at the Chinese people at this hour of their sorrow and stand firmly in solidarity with them as they strive to overcome the aftermath of the tragedy."

He also extended his personal condolences to the Chinese foreign minister, the release said.

Earlier, Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury telephoned Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Zheng Qingdian to express his deep sympathies.

He appreciated the quick and efficient approach in which the Chinese authorities appear to be responding to the situation.

(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2008)