Nation commemorates 10th anniversary of Holey Artisan Café attack

The 10th  anniversary of the Holey Artisan Bakery attack, the deadliest terrorist incident in Bangladesh's history, is being observed today (1 July) with solemn remembrance of the 22 people who lost their lives in the tragedy. 

Family members, friends and well-wishers of the victims both in Bangladesh and abroad are paying tribute to those killed in the attack through various commemorative programmes and personal observances.

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.

Twenty-two people — nine Italians, seven Japanese, an Indian, a Bangladeshi-born American and two Bangladeshis along with two police officers — were killed before commandoes stormed the cafe and neutralised the extremists.

Besides, two police officers were also killed during the attack.

Thirteen people, including three foreigners, were rescued while 20 bodies of the hostages were recovered from the restaurant after a successful operation led by the 1st Para-commando Battalion, an elite force in the Bangladesh Army, the following day (2 July, 2016).

Five militants and one restaurant staff were killed and one suspected militant was arrested during the drive.

A case was filed with Gulshan Police Station in connection with the deadliest terror attack.

Police pressed charges against eight people in the case on 23 July, 2018. The tribunal framed charges against them on 26 November .

Thirteen others who were identified to be behind the attack were killed during raids at various times.

On 3 December, 2018, the trial began with the deposition of witnesses.

On  27 November, 2019, seven extremists were sentenced to death for their roles in the Holey Artisan cafe attack case.