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Bangladesh on Wednesday marked the 10th anniversary of the Holey Artisan Bakery attack, paying tribute to the victims of the country's deadliest terrorist assault while renewing its commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism.
A decade after the Holey Artisan Bakery attack stunned Bangladesh and the world, the country paused to remember the victims of the 2016 terror siege that claimed 22 lives and fundamentally reshaped the nation's approach to counterterrorism.
On July 1, 2016, five heavily armed militants stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka's Gulshan diplomatic enclave, taking dozens of diners hostage. The siege lasted through the night as security forces surrounded the restaurant and attempted to bring the situation under control.
Two police officers, Banani Police Station Officer-in-Charge Salauddin Ahmed Khan and Detective Branch Assistant Commissioner Robiul Islam, were killed while responding to the initial attack.
The crisis came to an end in the early hours of July 2 when Bangladesh Army commandos carried out Operation Thunderbolt, killing the five attackers and rescuing 13 hostages.
The attack left 20 hostages dead, including nine Italians, seven Japanese, one Indian, three Bangladeshis and several foreign nationals working in Bangladesh. It remains the deadliest terrorist attack in the country's history.
Among the victims was Faraaz Ayaaz Hossain, whose reported decision to stay with his foreign friends instead of leaving the restaurant alone became a lasting symbol of courage and humanity.
The attack was later claimed by the self-styled Islamic State, although Bangladeshi authorities identified the perpetrators as members of the banned militant outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).
Following a lengthy investigation, a Dhaka court in 2019 sentenced seven militants to death. The High Court later commuted the death sentences to life imprisonment while upholding their convictions and the case remains under judicial process.
The tragedy marked a turning point in Bangladesh's fight against militancy. Security agencies strengthened intelligence coordination, expanded counterterrorism operations, increased surveillance and introduced broader programmes to prevent radicalisation. Security at diplomatic missions, hotels, restaurants and other public places was also significantly reinforced.
Ten years later, the country observed the anniversary with solemn remembrance ceremonies attended by government representatives, diplomats, law enforcement officials and relatives of the victims.
The principal commemoration was held at the residence of Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro in Dhaka, where floral tributes were placed and the names of the victims were read aloud before a minute's silence was observed.
Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro said the victims' memory should inspire continued global cooperation against terrorism, urging all nations to remain united in preventing such tragedies from recurring.
The ceremony was attended by diplomats from Italy, Japan, India, the United States, Palestine and several other countries, alongside senior officials of the Bangladesh government and members of the law enforcement agencies.
As Bangladesh remembered one of the darkest chapters in its history, officials said the country remains committed to preserving communal harmony and ensuring that terrorism never again threatens the lives of its people or its international partners.
Ten years after the attack, the Holey Artisan tragedy continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of violent extremism and the importance of sustained vigilance in safeguarding peace and security.
