Paying homage to the victims of the Holey Artisan Bakery tragedy that claimed lives of over 20 persons of different nationalities back on July 1, 2016, Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh  Antonio Alessandro has recalled the role of the youth in building a better society, both in Bangladesh and across the world.

Antonio Alessandro was speaking at a reception marking the 10th anniversary of the

Holey Artisan Bakery tragedy at his Gulshan tragedy on Wednesday.

He said “The victims were coming from different background. Most of them were young, bright and with great dreams for their future. Paying homage to them means to recall the role of youth in building a better society, both in Bangladesh and across the world”

He also said “Honoring their memory is also a way to pay homage to the community of expatriates in Bangladesh who contribute with their skills and entrepreneurial spirit to make the local textile and garment industry so solid and renown globally”

He also said “The Japanese victims were all affiliated with JICA, the official development agency of Japan. Honoring their memory in this case means also paying homage to the many professionals and humanitarian workers who form the international development community in Bangladesh. Every time we travel on the metro line in Dhaka – the victims were all working for that project - we acknowledge their contribution.”

“My heartfelt thought also goes to the police officers who responded bravely during the attack; they remind us how crucial a sense of duty can be when the protection of others and the security of our nation are at stake,” he said

Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh  Antonio Alessandro in his also speech said “

I thank you all for joining our commemoration today, 10 years after that brutal terrorist attack on a Saturday afternoon that took 24 innocent lives.

This is a very important event for the Embassy of Italy. We aim to make it as inclusive as possible: all victims are remembered from every nationality, religion and background. All those who wish to pay homage to the victims are welcome.”

He also said “This is a very participated event for the Italian community in Dhaka, which has been deeply affected by the attack. The Italian victims were all from the expatriate business community.”

He also said “My heartfelt thought also goes to the police officers who responded bravely during the attack; they remind us how crucial a sense of duty can be when the protection of others and the security of our nation are at stake.”

He also concluded “And lastly, why do some people kill innocent individuals simply because they represent a foreign culture and a different religion? It is a question that continues to deserve reflection and leads me to my concluding message: let us not forget-never again! May friendship, respect, and inclusivity always prevail.”

Meanwhile, State Minister for foreign affairs Shama Obaed Islam  renewed Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism as the government and foreign diplomats commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Holey Artisan Bakery attack, vowing to uphold peace, tolerance and humanity.

Honouring the memory of the victims of the July 1, 2016 terrorist attack, Shama said terrorism can never be justified on political, religious, ideological or any other grounds.

"Our government remains steadfast in its determination to confront terrorism and violent extremism at all spheres," she said, adding that such forces have no place in Bangladesh and will never be allowed to undermine the country's peace and stability.

The state minister reaffirmed Bangladesh's unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism with zero tolerance in all its forms and manifestations.

The government of Bangladesh, together with diplomats from India, Japan, Italy and the United States, paid tribute to the victims of the Holey Artisan Bakery attack in Gulshan, where 24 people, including nine Italian nationals, were killed.

They recalled the government's sustained efforts to combat terrorism and highlighted Bangladesh's achievements in countering violent extremism over the past decade.

On July 1, 2016, terrorists stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka's Gulshan diplomatic enclave, killing 24 people, including 20 hostages and two police officers, during a 12-hour siege that remains one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in the country's history. Six attackers were also killed.