Published :

02 Jul 2026, 04:03 AM

Updated :

08 Sep 2026, 09:20 AM

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has reaffirmed Bangladesh's zero-tolerance stance on terrorism and violent extremism.

Speaking at a Gulshan event commemorating the victims of the Holey Artisan Bakery attack on Wednesday, she said no political, religious or ideological cause can ever justify such acts.

Shama said the government is determined to combat terrorism and violent extremism in all fields.

Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro organised the event at his residence in Dhaka, marking the 10th anniversary of the attack in Gulshan where 20 people mostly foreigners had been killed by five young Bangladeshi militants.

The 20 victims included nine Italians, seven Japanese and one Indian.

Two policemen were also killed by the militants, who were cornered in a commando assault after a 12-hour siege that gripped Bangladesh and stunned the world.

Shama said: "Our government remains unwavering in its resolve to confront terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms. Such forces have no place in Bangladesh and will never be allowed to threaten our peace, stability or future."

"With that resolve, I reaffirm our zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms," she added.

The state minister urged everyone to renew their resolve to build a safer, more peaceful world free from the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism.

Meanwhile, the Italian envoy said the attackers had “sought to sow hatred and fuel division between the people of Bangladesh and the international community”.

“Instead, what emerged was a strengthened sense of solidarity and a heightened awareness of the value of dialogue among peoples and of our shared commitment to combating violence,” Alessandro added.