State Minister for Foreign Affairs
No Place for Extremism in Bangladesh
The commemoration ceremony began at around 12:30 pm
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said the government has taken a firm stance against all forms of terrorism and extremism and will not allow such forces to undermine Bangladesh’s peace and stability, adding that there is no place for them in the country.
She made the remarks while paying tribute to those killed in the militant attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery. The Italian ambassador’s residence in Gulshan hosted an event on Wednesday to mark the occasion.
“We pay tribute not only to their memory but also to the courage, resilience, and unity of their families,” the state minister said. “As a mother and a guardian, I extend my deepest sympathy to the families who lost their children and loved ones. May their memory continue to guide us against hatred and conflict. Let us always uphold the values of humanity, compassion, and tolerance.”
“We have ensured accountability by bringing the perpetrators to justice through due legal process,” she added.
The commemoration ceremony began at around 12:30 pm Participants observed a one-minute silence in memory of those who lost their lives. Diplomats from Italy, Japan, India, and the United States paid tribute to the victims by laying wreaths in front of a memorial plaque at the venue.
Militants carried out the attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery on the night of July 1, 2016. Wednesday marked the 10th anniversary of the attack.
Among those attending the event were Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, family members of the Italian and Japanese victims, US Chargé d’Affaires Albert Seea, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi, Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi, Palestinian Ambassador Yousef Ramadan, European Union Ambassador Michael Miller, and diplomats from various countries.
