The 10th anniversary of the Holey Artisan attack was observed on Wednesday.
On this day on 2016 in one of the country's deadliest and heinous terrorist attack on Holey Artisan Bakery and Restaurant in Gulshan 24 people including foreigners were killed.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam reaffirmed Bangladesh's "zero tolerance" policy against terrorism and violent extremism, saying the country would never allow anyone to undermine its peace and stability.
She made the remarks while paying tribute to the victims and survivors of the 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery attack at a commemoration marking its 10th anniversary at the residence of Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro in Dhaka.
"The tragic terrorist attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery still lingers in our memories, reminding us of one of the darkest chapters in our nation's history," she said.
Describing the attack as a calculated attempt to sow fear, hatred and division in Bangladesh's tolerant and inclusive society, she said terrorism could never be justified under any circumstances.
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh Yousef SY Ramadan, Japanese Ambassador Shinichi Saida, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi, Acting US Deputy Chief of Mission Albert Cea and representatives of Bangladesh Police also placed floral wreaths in memory of the victims.
The dignitaries paid tribute to the 24 people killed in the attack, including nine Italians, and observed a minute's silence. The 12-hour siege remains one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Bangladesh's history.
Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro said, "Let us not forget -- never again."
Laura Schella, head of the Consular Chancery at the Italian Embassy, opened the ceremony by reading out the names of the victims before the laying of wreaths.
Alessandro also read a message from Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who renewed his condolences to the victims' families and reaffirmed Italy's commitment to combating terrorism.
"The terrorists sought to sow hatred and fuel division between the people of Bangladesh and the international community," the message said.
"Instead, what emerged was a strengthened sense of solidarity and a heightened awareness of the value of dialogue among peoples."
