Nation commemorates 10th anniversary of Holey Artisan Café attack
On 1 July, 2016, armed terrorists barged into the upscale restaurant in the heart of the diplomatic quarter and unleashed an unprecedented carnage that shook the nation.
The 10th anniversary of the Holey Artisan Bakery attack was observed today (1 July) with solemn tributes to the 22 people killed in Bangladesh's deadliest terrorist attack. Family members, friends and well-wishers in Bangladesh and abroad marked the day through commemorative programmes and private remembrance.
In Dhaka, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro hosted a commemoration at his residence, attended by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam as chief guest.
Paying tribute to the victims, Shama Obaed reaffirmed Bangladesh's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and violent extremism.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"Terrorism can never be justified on political, religious, ideological, or any other grounds," she said. "Our government remains steadfast in its determination to confront terrorism and violent extremism in all spheres."
She added that such forces have no place in Bangladesh and would never be allowed to undermine the country's peace and stability.
Describing the attack as a brutal act of terrorism that deeply affected the international community in Bangladesh, Alessandro said, "Ten years have passed since a brutal terrorist attack claimed 24 innocent lives."
He noted that many of the victims had contributed significantly to Bangladesh's development. The Italian victims worked in the country's textile and garment sector, while the Japanese victims were involved in infrastructure projects through Jica, including Dhaka's metro rail project.
"Every time we travel on the metro line in Dhaka, we remember that the victims were working on that project," he said. "Let us not forget – never again."
Alessandro also paid tribute to the two police officers killed while responding to the attack, describing their actions as a testament to duty and sacrifice.
During the ceremony, Laura Schella, head of the Consular Chancery at the Italian Embassy, read out the names of the victims before floral wreaths were laid by Shama Obaed Islam, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Palestinian Ambassador Yousef SY Ramadan, Ambassador Alessandro, Japanese Ambassador Shinichi Saida, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi, Acting US Deputy Chief of Mission Albert Cea, and a representative of the Bangladesh Police. A minute's silence was observed in memory of the victims.
Alessandro also read a message from Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who renewed his condolences to the victims' families and reaffirmed Italy's commitment to combating terrorism.
"The terrorists sought to sow hatred and fuel division between the people of Bangladesh and the international community. Instead, what emerged was a strengthened sense of solidarity and a heightened awareness of the value of dialogue among peoples," the message said.
On 1 July 2016, five armed militants stormed the upscale Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka's diplomatic enclave, holding diners hostage in an attack that shocked the nation and drew international condemnation.
Twenty-two hostages were killed, including nine Italians, seven Japanese, one Indian, one Bangladeshi-born American and two Bangladeshis. Two police officers also lost their lives while responding to the attack.
The following day, commandos from the Bangladesh Army's 1st Para-Commando Battalion launched an operation to retake the café. They rescued 13 people, including three foreign nationals, and recovered the bodies of 20 hostages from inside the restaurant.
