Eight years ago, on July 1, the nation was shaken by the horrific Holey Artisan terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of 22 people, including 17 foreigners, at the restaurant in Gulshan. Each year on this solemn day, diplomats from Italy, Japan, India, and the USA gather to honour the victims.
The Holey Artisan Bakery, nestled on Lake Bank Road in Gulshan-2, was a beloved spot for foreigners, frequented by diplomats, businessmen, and residents alike.
Days before Eid-ul-Fitr, five militants stormed the restaurant, unleashing a night of terror with firearms and cruelty. The attack resulted in the tragic deaths of 20 individuals, including 17 foreign nationals, as well as two brave police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Law enforcement swiftly responded, prompting a fierce exchange where grenades and gunfire filled the night. Assistant Commissioner Rabiul Islam of Dhaka Metropolitan Intelligence Police was critically injured during the operation and later succumbed to his wounds.
The ordeal culminated with a decisive commando operation, 'Thunderbolt,' which ended the militants' siege and rescued the hostages. All five attackers were neutralised.
In the aftermath, CTTC conducted numerous operations across Bangladesh, targeting militant hideouts and networks linked to the Holey Artisan attack. Investigations led to charges against 21 individuals, resulting in court proceedings where seven were initially sentenced to death. Subsequently, their sentences were commuted to life imprisonment by the High Court in October 2023.
Today, foreign diplomats, including those from the Italian Embassy in Dhaka, gather to commemorate the lives lost and reflect on the enduring impact of the Holey Artisan tragedy.
