The Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Antonio Alessandro, hosted in his Residence a ceremony to commemorate the victims of the 1 July 2016 attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka, where nine Italian citizens lost their lives. Italy’s Director General for Italian Citizens Abroad, Luigi Maria Vignali, who was on a mission to Bangladesh to hold bilateral consultations, also attended the ceremony in representation of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
“The heinous attack of 1 July 2016 failed in its attempt to create hatred and division between Bangladesh and the international community. On the contrary, it has strengthened our resolve to fight together against terrorism and to build relations founded on dialogue and mutual understanding across all sectors,” said Director Vignali.
The ceremony was also attended by the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, Ambassador Masud Bin Momen, the Ambassadors of the United States, Japan and India – countries that have also lost citizens in the attack – the local Chief of Police, family members and friends of the victims, and representatives of the Italian community.
