Denmark
Denmark: Gunman acted alone, likely not terror-related
Danish police believe a shopping mall shooting that left three people dead and four others seriously wounded was not terror-related, and said Monday that the gunman acted alone and appears to have selected his victims at random.
Copenhagen chief police inspector Søren Thomassen said the victims — a 17-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl, both Danes, and a 47-year-old Russian man — were killed when the gunman opened fire on Sunday afternoon in the Field's shopping mall, one of Scandinavia's biggest.
Read:3 dead, 3 critically wounded in shooting at Denmark mall
Four other people were treated for gunshot wounds — two Danish and two Swedish citizens — and were in critical but stable condition, Thomassen said. Several other people received minor injuries as they fled the shopping mall, he added.
Thomassen said police had no indication that anyone helped the gunman, identified as a 22-year-old Dane, during the attack. He said while the motive was unclear, there was nothing suggesting terrorism, and that the suspect would be arraigned later Monday on preliminary charges of murder.
Read:Gunman fatally shoots 2, wounds 3 Texas cops, takes own life
Danish broadcaster TV2 published a grainy photo of the alleged gunman, a man wearing knee-length shorts, a vest or sleeveless shirt, and holding what appeared to be a rifle in his right hand.
“He seemed very violent and angry,” eyewitness Mahdi Al-Wazni told TV2. “He spoke to me and said it (the rifle) isn’t real as I was filming him. He seemed very proud of what he was doing.”
Images from the scene showed people running out of the mall in panic. After the shooting, a big contingent of heavily armed police officers patrolled the area, with several fire department vehicles also parked outside the mall.
3 dead, 3 critically wounded in shooting at Denmark mall
A gunman opened fire inside a busy shopping mall in the Danish capital Sunday, killing three people and critically wounding three others, police said.
A 22-year-old Danish man was arrested after the shooting, Copenhagen police inspector Søren Thomassen told reporters, adding there was no indication that anyone else was involved in the attack, though police were still investigating.
Gun violence is relatively rare in Denmark.
Thomassen said it was too early to speculate on the motive for the shooting, which happened in the late afternoon at Field’s, one of the biggest shopping malls in Scandinavia and located on the outskirts of the Danish capital. When the shots rang out, some people hid in shops while others fled in a panicked stampede, according to witnesses.
“It is pure terror. This is awful,” said Hans Christian Stoltz, a 53-year-old IT consultant, who was bringing his daughters to see Harry Styles perform at concert scheduled for Sunday night near the mall. “You might wonder how a person can do this to another human being, but it’s beyond … beyond anything that’s possible.”
Thomassen said the victims included a man in his 40s and two “young people,” without giving details. Several others were injured, three of them critically, he said.
He said police received the first reports of a shooting at 5.37 p.m., and arrested the suspect 11 minutes later. Thomassen described the suspect as an “ethnic Dane,” a phrase typically used to mean someone is white.
Danish broadcaster TV2 published a grainy photo of the alleged gunman, a man wearing knee-length shorts, a vest or sleeveless shirt, and holding what appeared to be a rifle in his right hand. “He seemed very violent and angry,” eyewitness Mahdi Al-Wazni told TV2. “He spoke to me and said it (the rifle) isn’t real as I was filming him. He seemed very proud of what he was doing.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the Scandinavian country had been hit by a “cruel attack.”
“It is incomprehensible. Heartbreaking. Pointless,” she said. “Our beautiful and usually so safe capital was changed in a split second.”
Also read: Russian missile strike hits crowded shopping mall in Ukraine
Images from the scene showed people running out of the mall, and TV2 posted a photo of a man being put on a stretcher. After the shooting, an enormous contingent of heavily armed police officers patrolled the area, with several fire department vehicles also parked outside the mall.
Laurits Hermansen told Danish broadcaster DR that he was in a clothing store at the shopping center with his family when he heard “three, four bangs. Really loud bangs. It sounded like the shots were being fired just next to the store.”
The shopping center is on the outskirts of Copenhagen just across from a subway station for a line that connects the city center with the international airport. A major highway also runs adjacent to the mall.
Organizers called off the Harry Styles concert, which had been scheduled at the nearby Royal Arena, by order of police.
On Snapchat, Styles wrote: “My team and I pray for everyone involved in the Copenhagen shopping mall shooting. I am shocked. Love H.”
The royal palace said a reception with Crown Prince Frederik connected to the Tour de France cycling race had been canceled. The first three stages of the race were held in Denmark this year. The reception was due to be held on the royal yacht that is moored in Soenderborg, the town where the third stage ended.
In a joint statement, Queen Margrethe, her son Crown Prince Frederik and his wife, Crown Princess Mary, said: “We do not yet know the full extent of the tragedy, but it is already clear that more people have lost their lives and that even more have been injured.”
“The situation calls for unity and care,” they said in a statement.
The shooting came a week after a mass shooting in neighboring Norway, where police said a Norwegian man of Iranian origin opened fire during a LGBTQ festival, killing two and wounding more than 20.
It was the worst gun attack in Denmark since February 2015, when a 22-year-old man was killed in a shootout with police after going on a shooting spree in the capital that left two people dead and five police officers wounded.
Proud to contribute to Bangladesh's impressive development journey: Nordic envoys
Nordic ambassadors to Bangladesh have acknowledged the impressive development journey and growth of Bangladesh that they have witnessed throughout their steadfast relationships.
"We are proud to have contributed to it," Ambassador of Denmark Winnie Estrup Petersen, Ambassador of Norway Espen Rikter-Svendsen, and Ambassador of Sweden Alex Berg von Linde, said in their joint speech at a reception Thursday.
The Nordic countries arranged the reception to celebrate 50 years of their ties with Bangladesh.
Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun who attended the event as the chief guest appreciated Nordic countries' contributions to Bangladesh.
Read: Nordic countries hold business promotion event
He said Bangladesh wants peace and stability around the world and emphasised strengthening the ties on all frontiers.
The Nordic ambassadors said they started their relations with humanitarian aid that moved into development cooperation that "has had multifaceted impacts in so many areas."
"Now, we are glad to see that our relations are transforming with an increased focus on expanding trade relations for a sustainable future in this vibrant nation," they said.
On February 4, 1972, the three countries were among the first to recognise Bangladesh as a new, independent and sovereign state.
"This marked the start of long and strong friendships not only between our countries but also our people – a partnership, which has continuously evolved over the years. Nordic countries have stood side by side with our Bangladeshi partners in their efforts for this nation to develop and progress," the ambassadors said.
Denmark, Norway and Sweden – the Nordic countries represented in Bangladesh – are celebrating 50 years of their ties with Bangladesh.
Read: Denmark, Norway, Sweden celebrate 'NordicWeek,' 50 years of ties with Bangladesh
The 50th anniversary celebrations began on March 23, 2022, on International Nordic Day when the three Nordic ambassadors met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin to share their reflections on the ties and discuss its future outlook.
The Nordic countries celebrated the "Nordic Week," which included a business seminar on May 24.
The overarching theme of the week was "sustainability" which is also a defining feature of the relations between the Nordics and Bangladesh.
Denmark to boost cooperation with Bangladesh in technology & energy: Danish team tells PM
The cooperation between Bangladesh and Denmark will be strengthened further in different sectors including technology and energy marking the 50 years of relations between the two countries.
Visiting Danish Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth and Danish Minister for Development and Cooperation Flemming Moller Mortensen paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter’s official residence Ganobhaban.
PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
“A new phase of cooperation has started and Danish entrepreneurs are interested in investing in Bangladesh,” the Danish minister was quoted as saying.
Also read: Danish Crown Princess Mary to meet PM, visit Rohingya camps
Noting that he visited Bangladesh some 39 years ago, the minister said he now can see how the changes are taking place here. Bangladesh has become a role model (for development), he added.
He said Bangladesh under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina has earned high-level respect in the international community.
They appreciated Bangladesh for the education of Rohingya children in different camps.
The Crown Princess informed the PM that they would visit Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.
Hasina described Denmark as a development partner of Bangladesh.
About the Rohingya issue, she said Bangladesh developed Bhashanchar (island) for life and livelihood of the Rohingya people and many steps were taken for the labour welfare there.
Besides, climate and women empowerment issues came up for discussion in the meeting.
Hasina said Bangladesh is a climate vulnerable country and the government formed a climate trust fund and took some special programmes to address the issue.
About empowerment of women she said they are now working in every sector including games and sports in Bangladesh.
PMO senior secretary Md Tofazzal Hossain Miah and Ambassador to Bangladesh Winnie Estrup Petersen were present.
Also read: PM’s Ashrayan Project: Homeless Hanufa, thousands more to get own homes on Tuesday
Princess Mary Elizabeth arrived here on Monday morning on a three-day visit to Bangladesh.
She will also meet the Rohingyas in the refugee camps and host community in Cox's Bazar.
Mary Elizabeth, the wife of Danish crown prince Frederik, will go to Satkhira to meet the climate vulnerable people and visit the multipurpose cyclone shelter centres there.
Bangladesh, Denmark sign document to strengthen partnership on green transition
Bangladesh and Denmark on Monday signed a document on sustainable and green framework engagement to strengthen the partnership on climate and green transition between the two countries.
Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen and Danish Minister for Development Cooperation Flemming Moller Mortensen signed the document in presence of visiting crown princess Mary Elizabeth of Denmark at a city hotel.
After the signing ceremony, a meeting was held between the two foreign ministers at the same venue where they discussed the issues of mutual interest.
Celebrating the 50 years of diplomatic ties, the ministers have pledged to take the Bangladesh-Denmark relations to a new level.
The two countries wished to partner towards attaining a sustainable and greener future globally.
The focus will be on climate change adaptation and mitigation, environmental damage and loss of biodiversity, in the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change, according to Danish Embassy in Dhaka.
Bangladesh and Denmark share a joint commitment in tackling global challenges such as climate change and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Also read:Bangladesh, Norway keen to broaden economic partnership
Bangladesh, Denmark agree to work on climate, infrastructural development
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen on Thursday, in a phone call conservation, agreed to work together on climate change and infrastructural development for mutual benefits of the two countries.
The Danish PM made the phone call to Sheikh Hasina at 3:30 pm on Thursday on the occasion of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence and 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Read: Hasina stresses need for research in health sector
PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the talks held between the two leaders.
During the conversation, both the prime ministers greeted each other marking the two great moments.
Both the leaders also expressed their keenness to work with other issues of mutual interests like business, trade and commerce.
Sheikh Hasina also greeted Mette Frederiksen on her election as the second female and the youngest prime minister in Denmark's history.
Denmark, PPPA sign MoU to enhance green infrastructure cooperation
Public Private Partnership Authority (PPPA) of the Prime Minister’s Office and Denmark on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance green infrastructure cooperation for Bangladesh’s sustainable economic growth.
‘With a growing population, economic growth, and graduation from LDC status, Bangladesh is becoming a key player on the global stage, said Danish Ambassador Winnie Estrup Petersen on signing the MoU with the PPPA in Bangladesh.
Read:Bangladesh, Korea sign deal to provide $100 mn of EDCF loan
“Its wealth of resources and untapped domestic consumption potential makes the country a good candidate for investment. Ultimately, working together we hope to spark a green industrial transformation by cooperating in sectors like clean water and energy, food and agriculture, urban development and transportation,” said the Ambassador.
The Danish envoy said concretely, they foresee this as an opportunity to match Bangladeshi needs with Danish strongholds in maritime and logistics, to develop sustainable maritime and port infrastructure that will ensure stronger integration of Bangladesh into global supply chains as it continues its growth.
The Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh and the CEO of Public Private Partnership Authority (PPPA), Sultana Afroz (Secretary), echoed those aspirations, highlighting that public private partnership between Denmark and Bangladesh is a great way to advance Bangladesh’s economic growth with sustainable investments.
Read:Maritime Connectivity: Ranong port, Chittagong Port authorities sign MoU
“Bangladesh welcomes investors from Denmark and looks forward to opportunities to work together on green technologies and innovative industrial methods. Collaboration paves the path for green transition for both our economies in a positive and fruitful way.’’
Denmark hosts exhibition on commercially viable, green solutions for Bangladesh
The Embassy of Denmark in Bangladesh hosted a 5-day exhibition at Bay’s Edge Gallery, in the backdrop of COP26 taking place in Glasgow, to highlight commercially viable green solutions that can support sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Bangladesh.
Denmark’s ambitious goals to reduce carbon footprint and achieve sustainable growth is globally relevant, especially fast growing economy like Bangladesh, says its Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday.
Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Winnie Estrup Petersen emphasised that ‘‘the ‘Green Together’ exhibition embodies and shares with a Bangladeshi audience Denmark’s understanding of sustainability, which is a holistic approach to the environment and lifestyle, and also includes social goals like responsible business, good governance, equality, and inclusion’’.
Also read: Bangabandhu-Bapu digital exhibition begins at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy
As a frontrunner in green economic growth and a leader in clean technologies, Denmark is well positioned to serve as a knowledge partner for Bangladesh on its journey towards a greener and more sustainable society.
The exhibition also included four panel discussions that highlighted key challenges on this journey and opportunities for the Bangladeshi public and private sector.
BGMEA wants Denmark's support to continue duty benefits in EU market
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association President Faruque Hassan on Sunday sought Denmark’s support in continuation of duty-benefit for Bangladesh in the European Union for 12 years.
This support, he said, is needed to ensure Bangladesh’s smoother transition after the graduation from LDC in 2026.
Faruque discussed the issue when Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh Winnie Estrup Petersen met him at BGMEA office in Gulshan.
BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Vice President Miran Ali, Søren Asbjørn Albertsen, Sector Counsellor, and Ali Mushtaq Butt, Commercial Counsellor at the Danish Embassy were also present.
Denmark is a member country of the European Union which provides duty-free market access to Bangladesh as a LDC under its EBA programme.
Faruque requested the ambassador to share the positive development and stories about the RMG industry, she witnessed during her stay in Dhaka, with both brands and consumers.
He also called on the envoy to request Danish brands and retailers to be more rational in pricing as nobody can justify lower price to produce socially fair goods.
They had discussions about issues related to the readymade garment industry in Bangladesh, including its progress in the areas of workplace safety, environmental sustainability and wellbeing of workers.
They also talked about scope of further collaboration and cooperation from Denmark especially in enhancing productivity and facilitating more use of energy-efficient technologies in the garment industry of Bangladesh.
Europe gives dire warning as Kabul evacuation deadline looms
European nations offered stark warnings Thursday about the waning days of a massive airlift to bring people out of Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, with a British official saying an “imminent attack” could target Kabul’s international airport.
France said it would halt its evacuations Friday while Denmark said its last flight had already left Kabul’s airport, which has seen thousands throng around it in the days since the Taliban took the capital.
Read:US says 1,500 Americans may still await Kabul evacuation
Overnight, new warnings emerged from Western capitals about a possible threat from Afghanistan’s Islamic State affiliate, which likely has seen its ranks boosted by the Taliban freeing prisoners across the country. Already, military cargo planes leaving Kabul airport have launched flares to disrupt any potential surface-to-air missile fire as fleeing Afghan troops abandoned heavy weapons and equipment across the country in their collapse following America’s withdrawal of troops.
British Armed Forces Minister James Heappey told the BBC on Thursday there was ”very, very credible reporting of an imminent attack” at the airport, possibly within “hours.”
Heappey conceded that people are desperate to leave and “there is an appetite by many in the queue to take their chances, but the reporting of this threat is very credible indeed and there is a real imminence to it.”
Read: What's happening with Afghanistan evacuations?
“We will do our best to protect those who are there,” he said. “There is every chance that as further reporting comes in, we may be able to change the advice again and process people anew but there’s no guarantee of that.”
Outside of a missile attack, troops have been worried about the uncontrolled, teeming crowds outside the airport. While the Taliban and others have tried to control them, there’s no formal screening process on the way the airport as there was under Afghanistan’s former government. That means someone carrying a suicide bomb could slip through — or an explosives-laden vehicle could barrel through.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul issued a security alert warning American citizens away from three specific airport gates, but gave no further explanation.
Senior U.S. officials said the warning was related to ongoing and specific threats involving the Islamic State and potential vehicle bombs. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss ongoing military operations.
Read: US troops surge evacuations out of Kabul but threats persist
French Prime Minister Jean Castex told French radio RTL on Thursday that “from tomorrow evening onwards, we are not able to evacuate people from the Kabul airport” due to the Aug. 31 American withdrawal.
Meanwhile, Danish defense minister Trine Bramsen bluntly warned: “It is no longer safe to fly in or out of Kabul.” Denmark’s last flight, carrying 90 people plus soldiers and diplomats, already had left Kabul.