Holy Artisan: Renewed pledge to maintain zero tolerance against terrorism

Ten years have passed since the horrific militant attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan. On this occasion, Bangladesh has once again reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance against terrorism and violent extremism. Both the government and foreign diplomats paid tribute to the victims and reiterated their commitment to the ideals of peace, tolerance and humanity.

A commemorative event was held at the residence of the Italian Ambassador in Gulshan, where Bangladesh reiterated this position on Wednesday afternoon.

A one-minute silence was observed in memory of the victims. Diplomats from various countries, government officials, survivors and family members of the deceased attended the event.

On 1 July 2016, the militant attack at the bakery in Gulshan killed 24 people, including seven Bangladeshis, nine Italians, seven Japanese and one Indian national.

Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi, Japanese Ambassador Saito Shinichi, US Chargé d'Affaires Albert Sia, Palestinian Ambassador Yousef Ramadan, EU Ambassador Michael Miller and family members of the victims laid floral wreaths at a memorial plaque installed at the venue.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid said the government is firmly committed to combating terrorism and violent extremism in all forms, making it clear that there is no place for such forces in Bangladesh. She added that no opportunity will be given in the future to undermine the country’s peace and stability.

She expressed respect not only for the memory of the victims but also for the courage, resilience and unity shown by their families. As a mother and guardian, she conveyed deep sympathy to the families who lost their loved ones and expressed hope that their memory would guide everyone against hatred and conflict, while upholding the values of humanity and compassion.

Shama Obaid said the government is advancing with a ‘whole-of-government’ and ‘whole-of-society’ approach to prevent terrorism and violent extremism. This strategy involves government institutions, law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, civil society, religious leaders, educational institutions, women and youth, the private sector and international partners. She once again reaffirmed the government’s firm zero-tolerance policy against all forms of terrorism and violent extremism.

Speakers at the event noted that through the 2016 attack, militants tried to create division and hatred between Bangladesh and the international community, but they failed. Instead, the incident strengthened solidarity, mutual dialogue and a collective stand against violence among people. They called for continued vigilance and awareness to ensure terrorism never raises its head in the country again.

Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro said a decade has passed since the brutal attack that claimed the lives of 24 innocent people. He noted that the deceased Italians were linked to Bangladesh’s readymade garments sector, while the Japanese nationals were working on various infrastructure projects including the Dhaka Metro Rail under JICA.

The Ambassador read out a message from Italian President Sergio Mattarella, which stated that the terrorists aimed to spread hatred and division between the people of Bangladesh and the world community. Instead, it strengthened solidarity among people and increased awareness about the importance of dialogue among different nations.

On behalf of the victims’ families, Faraz Aiyaz Hossain’s elder brother Yaref Ayat Hossain laid flowers. Floral tributes were also offered by the Bangladesh Police and the Italian expatriate community living in Dhaka.

The event was also attended by family members of the deceased Italian and Japanese nationals and diplomats including US Chargé d'Affaires Albert Sia.