Hasina vows to root out terrorism after Dhaka siege

Dhaka, July 2  Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday vowed to root out terrorism from the country after Islamic State terrorists laid siege to a Dhaka cafe that left six of the militants dead while 13 hostages were rescued.

In an address to the nation after the end of the 12-hour-long overnight siege at the Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan area in the diplomatic zone, Hasina said her government would not allow any terrorist activity in Bangladesh. 

She also lauded the country's First Para Battalion, Army, Navy and Air Force for the "successful operation" against the Islamic State terrorists who attacked the cafe late on Friday. 

“I congratulate the forces for the successful operation against the terrorists,” the Prime Minister said, adding, “We could save 13 lives, but lost a few. Six terrorists were neutralised and one was captured alive.” 

She also said that no devout Muslim can kill innocent people. 

“In this holy month of Ramadan, how could they kill people,” Hasina said. “What sort of Muslims are they,” she asked.