Govt renews zero-tolerance stance on terrorism

The government on Wednesday reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism as the country joined diplomats and family members in commemorating the victims of the 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery attack on its 10th anniversary.

Speaking at a remembrance ceremony hosted by Italy’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said terrorism can never be justified on political, religious, ideological or any other grounds.

“Our Government remains steadfast in its determination to confront terrorism and violent extremism in all spheres,” she said. “Such forces have no place in Bangladesh and will never be allowed to undermine our peace and stability.”

The State Minister reiterated Bangladesh’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, stressing that the country remains committed to preventing the resurgence of extremist violence.

The commemoration marked a decade since the July 1, 2016 terrorist assault on the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka’s Gulshan diplomatic enclave, one of the deadliest attacks in Bangladesh’s history. The 12-hour siege claimed the lives of 24 people, including nine Italians, alongside six attackers.

Diplomats from India, Japan, Italy and the United States joined representatives of the Bangladesh government, members of the diplomatic community and relatives of the victims in paying tribute to those killed in the attack.

The ceremony, held at the residence of Antonio Alessandro, began with a minute’s silence and the reading of the victims’ names by Laura Schella. Floral wreaths were later laid in memory of the victims.
Among those paying tribute were Shama Obaed Islam, Transcom Group CEO Simin Rahman, mother of the deceased Faraz Ayaz Hossain, family members of the deceased Italian and Japanese citizens, US Deputy Ambassador Albert R Cea, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi, Japanese Amabassador Saida Shinichi, Palestinian Ambassador Yusuf Ramadan, European Union Ambassador Michael Miller.
Addressing the gathering, Shama Obaed said the tragedy remains deeply embedded in the nation’s collective memory.

“Ten years have passed, yet the wounds of that night have not faded from our national conscience,” she said. “The shadows of July 1, 2016, still linger in our memories, reminding us of one of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history.”

She described the attack as a calculated attempt to sow fear, hatred and division within Bangladesh’s tolerant and inclusive society, but said the country responded with resilience and unity.

“The painful events of that day continue to remind us of the importance of national unity, social cohesion and collective vigilance in safeguarding our shared values,” she said.

Highlighting progress made since the attack, the State Minister said Bangladesh had adopted a comprehensive approach involving government institutions, law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, civil society, religious leaders, educational institutions, women and youth, the private sector and international partners.

She noted that those responsible for the attack had been brought to justice through due legal process and said Bangladesh continues to contribute to global counter-terrorism efforts while promoting peace, security and sustainable development.

Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, she said: “May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace. May their memories remain a beacon against hatred and conflict. May we continue to uphold the values of compassion, tolerance and humanity for which they stand as a lasting testament.”

Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro said the victims came from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, many of them young professionals with promising futures.

“Paying tribute to them means recalling the role of youth in building a better society – both in Bangladesh and across the world,” he said.

Reading a message from Sergio Mattarella, the Italian envoy said Italy remains committed to fighting terrorism in cooperation with the international community.

“Upholding the principles of civilisation demands a firm response to terrorism in order to build societies that are safe, open and united in solidarity,” the message said.

Italy also renewed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and emphasised that the attack, intended to spread hatred and division between Bangladesh and the international community, had instead strengthened solidarity, dialogue and a shared commitment to combating violence.

The ambassador noted that the Italian victims, many of whom were involved in the textile and garment sector, had contributed significantly to Bangladesh’s economic development through their expertise and entrepreneurship.

He also paid tribute to the Japanese victims, who were affiliated with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, describing them as dedicated development professionals whose work helped advance Bangladesh’s progress.

As Bangladesh and its international partners marked the 10th anniversary of the attack, participants renewed their collective pledge to build a safer and more peaceful world free from terrorism, extremism and hatred.