Dhaka: The United States has offered full support to the government of Bangladesh in its investigation into the barbaric murder of Xulhaz Mannan and his friend to bring the perpetrators to justice.

‘We offer our full support to the government of Bangladesh as they investigate these murders and bring the perpetrators to justice,’ said US Secretary of State John Kerry in a statement.

He said they remain committed to the principles that were so important to Xulhaz, and they promise to support all those who work on behalf of tolerance and human rights in Bangladesh and around the world.

‘The men and women of the U.S. State Department join me today in condemning the barbaric murder of Xulhaz Mannan, a locally-hired employee of our embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and another of his activist friends,’ he was quoted as saying in a statement received here from the US Department of State.

Kerry said they are profoundly saddened by the loss of one of their own in such a ‘senseless’ act of violence. ‘We extend our deepest condolences to Xulhaz’s family and loved ones.’

Xulhaz, who worked for the United States Agency for International Development, was a trusted colleague, a beloved friend, and advocate for human rights and dignity in Bangladesh, he said.

‘In many ways, he embodied the spirit of the people of Bangladesh and the pride with which they guard their traditions of tolerance, peace, and diversity,’ said the US Secretary of State.

State Department Spokesperson John Kirby in a regular press briefing said they are outraged by the barbaric attack on Xulhaz Mannan, a beloved member of their embassy family and a courageous advocate for LGBTI rights and human rights.

‘An act like this is beyond words, unjustifiable, inexcusable. As we mourn his death, we celebrate Xulhaz’s life and everything he contributed to Bangladesh, to the United States, and to the global struggle for human rights and dignity,’ he said.

The Spokesperson expressed condolences for former US Embassy, Dhaka employee and activist Xulhaz Mannan.

‘And we pledge our support to Bangladeshi authorities to ensure that the cowards who did this are held accountable,’ he said adding that Bangladesh is justifiably proud of its history as a moderate, tolerant, inclusive society that values the diversity of its people, culture, and religions.

Kirby said this attack fundamentally seeks to undermine all that Bangladesh stands for and all that the Bangladeshi people have strived to bring about in recent years.