Bangladesh on Saturday paid tribute to the victims of the tragic 2016 militant attack on Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan, Dhaka.
The attack, which lasted for 12 hours, saw numerous hostages held captive by militants, resulting in the loss of 22 lives, including 17 foreigners and two police officers. This deadly assault remains the country's deadliest-ever militant attack, leaving at least 50 individuals gravely wounded.
Those killed included nine Italians, seven Japanese, one Indian, one Bangladeshi-born American and two Bangladeshis.
The horrific incident unfolded on the night of July 1, 2016, when a group of five armed men stormed the popular cafe, frequented mostly by foreigners, effectively taking diners hostage.
At one stage, they started killing the hostages one by one. Although the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, the government of Bangladesh vehemently denied any presence of the organization within the country.
Following this gruesome incident, Bangladesh authorities responded with a relentless crackdown on militants. The government's efforts culminated on November 27, 2019, when a special anti-terrorism tribunal passed judgment, sentencing seven individuals to death for their involvement in the attack. One person was acquitted.
