1st anniversary of Gulshan Holy Artisan attack today

The nation is set to observe the 1st anniversary of Gulshan Holy Artisan Cafe attack, the deadliest militant attack in Bangladesh’s history, in solemn remembrance of those who lost their lives.

On the evening of July 1, 2016, five militants entered the Holy Artisan Cafe and Bakery with crude bombs, machetes, pistols, and took several dozen people hostages, including 18 foreigners, reports UNB.

Twenty hostages — nine Italians, seven Japanese, one Indian, one Bangladesh-born American and two Bangladeshis— were killed as the militants sprayed them with bullets indiscriminately or cut their throats to confirm their death inside the cafe.

Besides, two senior police officers - Banani Police Station then officer-in-charge Salauddin Ahmed Khan and Detective Branch assistant commissioner Robiul Islam — were shot dead when police tried to gain control of the bakery.

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 morning (July 2). 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 worst terror attack. Later, the case was transferred to the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

Now, inspector Humayun Ahmed of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit (CTTC) has been investigating the case as its investigation officer (IO).