Dhaka seeks global support in fight against terrorism

Dhaka, July 5: Bangladesh Foreign Minister A.H. Mahmood Ali on Tuesday said the country hopes to receive support from the international community in its fight against terrorism and extremism.

The Foreign Minister made the remarks while briefing diplomats following the July 1 terror attack in which gunmen -- claimed to be from Islamic State militant group -- stormed a Spanish cafe here and killed 20 hostages, mostly foreigners -- including one Indian girl.

At least seven terrorists stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery in diplomatic zone of Dhaka and took around 40 hostages, bdnews24.com reported.

The Bangladesh Army in "Operation Thunderbolt" killed six terrorists and captured a seventh attacker alive. In a 50-minutes-long operation, the army rescued 13 hostages.

Ali said terrorism was a global challenge and Dhaka would continue to work "closely" with other countries to fight the menace.

He assured that the Bangladesh government was resolved to root out terrorism and militancy from the country.

The minister said the law enforcing agencies were on high alert and security measures were strengthened further.

He expressed his deepest sympathies for the families of victims of the attack. Ali also thanked the international community for expressing their solidarity with the government and the people of Bangladesh.

While acknowledging that most nations today face terrorism, the envoys expressed their views on the measures that could be taken to further strengthen the counter-terrorism efforts.

IANS