Dhaka, May 19 -- The thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates who call the USA's San Diego home are grappling with unprecedented anxiety and grief after a deadly, hate-motivated shooting outside a major mosque and Islamic school.

The attack took place on Monday at the Islamic Center of San Diego, shattering the long-held sense of security felt by the local Muslim community.

Adding to the horror, the shooting took place while classes were under way at the Al Rashid School, located within the mosque compound -- leaving children trapped in a nightmare.

For hours, panicked parents waited in agony as aerial television footage broadcast images of more than a dozen young children, holding hands under heavy police escort, being evacuated past scor...