Italy lauds BD’s quick steps to start café attack trial

Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Mario Palma on Tuesday appreciated the professionalism of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit of Bangladesh Police for the quick start of trial in the Holey Artisan café attack case.

He came up with the appreciation when he made a farewell call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter's office in the city.

PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

The 2016 militant attack on Holey Artisan café killed 22 people, including nine Italians, seven Japanese, one Indian national and two policemen, reports UNB.

Mario Palma, who will leave Bangladesh in January next, said it takes a long time to start the trial of such terror attacks in Italy, too.

On Monday, the trial into the 2016 militant attack on Gulshan's Holey Artisan Bakery began with the indictment of eight suspects.

The Prime Minister said the government responded very quickly to combat the terrorists, bringing the situation under control within a few hours.

Noting that he visited different heritage sites of Bangladesh particularly in Mongla, Bagerhat and Khulna, the envoy said all the sites, including the Sundarbans, and the shrine of Khan Jahan Ali are very beautiful.

He said he also visited the Lalon Mela (Baul song festival) in Kushtia and translated Lalon songs into Italian language.

The envoy appreciated the Bangladeshi people living in Italy for their services to the Italian society and economy saying they are now contributing to the agricultural sector.

The Prime Minister said her government is working with the main aim of improving the condition of the downtrodden people and living condition of the people in rural areas.

Sheikh Hasina expressed satisfaction over the level of relation and cooperation prevailing between the two countries and emphasised the continuation of that.

PM's International Affairs Advisor Gowher Rizvi and Principal Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office Md Nojibur Rahman were present.