DHAKA: Bangladesh authorities Friday (Nov 5) foiled an attempt to demolish a mosque of the Ahmadiya sect, even as diplomats expressed concern over the community being increasingly targeted.

The demolition attempt came when the International Khatme Nabuat Andolan Bangladesh (IKNA), an anti-Ahmadiya group, marched towards the shrine in the city's Tejgaon area after Friday prayers, demanding a ban on the sect.

A 1,000 strong contingent of security personnel blocked all roads leading to the mosque and prevented the protesters from reaching the mosque.

Earlier, a group of European diplomats visited the mosque and expressed concern over frequent attacks on Ahmadiya community in Bangladesh.

"We are seriously concerned about the increasing attacks on this minority," Kees Beemsterboer, ambassador of the Netherlands, told reporters after meeting with the Ahmadiya leaders.

Indo-Asian News Service