Staff Reporter :
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism on the solemn eighth anniversary of the Holey Artisan Bakery attack. Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, Momen highlighted the nation’s renewed resolve following the deadliest terrorist incident in its history held at the residence of The tragic 2016 attack, which claimed numerous lives, has galvanized Bangladesh’s efforts to eliminate terrorism from society.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General announced that the state is still awaiting the full text of the High Court’s verdict on the case, which is essential for further legal proceedings.
On that tragic day in 2016, an appalling terrorist attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan took away 22 invaluable lives including 9 Italians, 7 Japanese, one US Bangladeshi and one Indian national and inflicted injury to many others.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s progress in countering extremism, Foreign Secretary Masud stated that the tragic event had galvanized the government’s resolve under its ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards terrorism.
“We have made significant strides in combating terrorism and preventing violent extremism in recent years, in conformity with our government’s ‘zero tolerance’,” he said.
Masud expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and acknowledged their enduring grief, noting the landmark trial that brought the perpetrators to justice.
“Bangladesh’s response to this tragic incident had been incessant, till the verdict of the landmark trial, which brought the perpetrators to justice,” he said.
The foreign secretary highlighted the government’s comprehensive anti-terrorism measures encompassing intelligence operations, surveillance, and community engagement initiatives aimed at curbing radicalization.
“Our government takes the secular underpinning of our Constitution with utmost seriousness and remains committed to upholding religious harmony and peaceful co-existence in our multi-cultural society against the misguided objectives of any radical or reactionary elements,” he said.
