Timeline: Holey Artisan Bakery attack

On the night of July 1, 2016, five armed militants seized O’ Kitchen restaurant and Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan and took the guests and staff into hostage. They killed 22 people, including 17 foreigners and two police officers. The horrific event ended when the attackers were neutralized by commandoes and remaining people rescued alive. 

July 1, 2016 

8:45pm

Five armed people, all young, enter Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka's Gulshan diplomatic zone.

9-9:10pm

They open fire and hold the guests inside, mostly foreigners, hostage.

9:50pm

Officials from police and RAB cordon off the area; sounds of gunshots heard. 

10:30pm

Two police officials – Banani police Officer-in-Charge Salauddin Ahmed Khan and Detective Branch (North) Assistant Police Commissioner Rabiul Islam – injured from firing from inside the café, die.

1:30am

Islamic State claims responsibility for the attack, reports SITE Intelligence Group.

3am

Law enforcement agencies begin preparations for a special drive.

4:20am

Italian state television claims seven Italians among the hostages.

4:46am

All the media workers are removed from the area.

5-6am

Commandoes of army, navy, air force, police, BGB, Rab and Swat prepare to begin massive operation.

7:40am

Security forces begin “Operation Thunderbolt”.

7:48am

Eight people are rescued alive from inside; total stands at 13.

8:15am

Armed forces cordon off the area as situation is brought under control.

8:30am

Operation ends successfully.

12:45pm

According to ISPR, 20 people are found dead inside the restaurant, six attackers killed, one arrested, and 13 hostages rescued.

3:20pm

Fourteen ambulances carrying dead bodies leave the premises.