Bangladesh Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Terrorism on 10th Anniversary of Holey Artisan Attack

Photo: CNI

Diplomatic Correspondent:  Bangladesh on Wednesday reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism as government officials, foreign diplomats, survivors, and families of the victims gathered to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery terrorist attack.

The commemorative ceremony was hosted by the Ambassador of Italy to Bangladesh, Antonio Alessandro, at his official residence in Dhaka. The event paid tribute to the 24 victims of one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Bangladesh's history and underscored the country's continued commitment to peace, tolerance, and international cooperation against violent extremism.

Representatives of the Bangladesh government joined diplomats from Italy, Japan, India, the United States, and other members of the diplomatic community in honoring those who lost their lives in the attack. Floral wreaths were laid at the memorial, followed by a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims.

Among those who paid tribute were State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Palestine to Bangladesh Yousef S.Y. Ramadan, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, Japanese Ambassador Shinichi Saida, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy Albert Cea, and a representative of the Bangladesh Police.

Addressing the ceremony as the chief guest, Shama Obaed Islam said terrorism can never be justified under any circumstances and reaffirmed Bangladesh's policy of "zero tolerance" against terrorism and violent extremism. She described the July 1, 2016 attack as one of the darkest chapters in the country's history, saying it was a deliberate attempt to spread fear, hatred, and division within Bangladesh's peaceful and inclusive society.

The State Minister noted that Bangladesh has significantly strengthened its counterterrorism framework over the past decade through coordinated efforts involving law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, civil society, educational institutions, religious leaders, and international partners. She stressed that the government would never allow extremist forces to undermine the country's peace, security, and stability.

Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro described the attack as a brutal act of terrorism that deeply affected both Bangladesh and the international community. He said the victims had made valuable contributions to Bangladesh's development, particularly in the ready-made garment sector and major infrastructure projects such as the Dhaka Metro Rail.

Reading a message from Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Ambassador Alessandro said the terrorists had sought to create hatred and division between Bangladesh and the international community, but instead their actions strengthened solidarity, friendship, and the shared determination to defeat terrorism. Concluding the ceremony, he urged the audience to remember the victims with the words: "Let us not forget — never again."

On July 1, 2016, heavily armed militants stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka's Gulshan diplomatic enclave, taking dozens of people hostage during a 12-hour siege. The attack claimed the lives of 24 people, including 20 hostages and two police officers, while all six attackers were killed during the rescue operation.

The victims included nine Italians, seven Japanese nationals, one Indian citizen, and seven Bangladeshis, making the attack one of the most devastating terrorist incidents in the country's history. The tragedy prompted Bangladesh to strengthen its counterterrorism strategy and deepen international cooperation to combat violent extremism.