Ten years ago, on 1 July 2016, terrorists attacked the Holey Artisan Bakery restaurant in Dhaka’s Gulshan district. Twenty-four people died, including nine Italians: entrepreneurs and professionals working in Bangladesh, many in the textile sector.
The ceremony
The anniversary was marked at the residence of Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, who read a message from President Sergio Mattarella. The annual ceremony honours victims of all nationalities and faiths. It was attended by diplomats from Japan, India and the United States — the home countries of other victims — local police, families and friends, surviving hostages and members of the Italian community.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed spoke for the Bangladeshi government, expressing solidarity with the families and a commitment to preventing and countering violent extremism.
A lasting bond
The ambassador remembered the Italian victims as people who contributed to Bangladesh’s economic growth. Ten years on, ties between the two countries — economic, human and cultural — have grown: Italy is home to the largest Bangladeshi community in the European Union, and many Italian companies continue to work in Dhaka.
