What kind of Muslims are those who forgo the call of azaan to kill people: Bangladesh PM on Dhaka attack

Gunmen attacked the restaurant in the diplomatic area of Dhaka late on Friday and had been holding about 20 hostages, including foreigners before police stormed the building to free those stuck inside.

Dhaka Siege: Follow LIVE updates here

In her first official address after the terrorist attack, she applauded the efforts of the Rapid Action Battalion and the Navy commandos who managed to end the siege in 12 hours.

“We tried to assess the situation immediately and we could end the siege within 10 hours with methodical and cautious planning. I am extremely happy that we could save 13 people but I am sorry for the losses of the people and the two policemen who died at night,” she said.

The PM also thanked and congratulated the RAB and the Navy commandos for their extraordinary efforts and valour to put an end to the disastrous situation as soon as they could, to the best of their abilities.

Also Read | How newspapers in Bangladesh covered the Dhaka terror attack

Speaking against the attackers, she questioned, “What kind of muslims are these who forgo the call of azaan to kill people”.

She reiterated that terrorism has no religion and that she was happy that they had been able to combat all the extremists.

“I really hope and pray that people of Bangladesh remain safe and if people of this country are more aware and vigilant, we can prevent such further attacks. We will not allow Bangladesh to become a safe haven for terrorism,” she said.

Also Read | Bangladesh’s worst hostage crisis ends, six terrorists killed

Condemning some local television channels, Hasina also said that the live telecast of the rescue operations hindered the efforts of the RAB.

“We had repeatedly requested the media that the area has been cordoned off and they must refrain from live telecasts,” she said, adding that the rescue operations were fast because the area within four kilometers of the site of the attack had been cordoned off.

Urging people to be vigilant, she requested the citizens to come together to ensure safety of the country. She also called upon the youth of the country to not be influenced or motivated by such ‘extremists’.

See Pictures | Dhaka hostage crisis ends, six gunmen killed, 13 hostages rescued

“It’s not only the responsibility of the government but a joint effort by the people and the society will also help us prevent further terror attacks. They should be reminded of their love for their country and must uphold the respect that Bangladesh has in the world’s eyes,” she said.

“I applaud the efforts of all the forces that have worked together to ensure the safety of the place is restored. All the roads which were blocked and the services that were stopped have now been restored but people must continue to be vigilant,” she said.

She also informed that the safety of the place has been restored as have all the services that were suspended during the time of siege for a smooth rescue operation.

Also Read | List of recent attacks in Bangladesh blamed on radical Islamists

Bangladesh has seen attacks on its minorities, liberals, atheist bloggers, and LGBT activists, a spate of killings that started in 2015. Following these attacks, in June Sheikh Hasina launched a crackdown on Islamist militants, arresting 11,600 people on basis of suspicion of their links with extremism.

Earlier in May, her government also hanged the chief of Bangladesh’s biggest Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami Motiur Rahman Nizami as the last remaining top perpetrator of crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan.

However, the attack on the restaurant was the first ever major terror attack in Bangladesh. In the eye of the storm, the Navy commandos and the RAB displayed commendable valour, killing six gunmen and rescuing 13 people.