10 years of the Holey Artisan attack, awaiting the final verdict of the Appellate Division

The state side says that since citizens of Bangladesh, as well as nationals of Italy, Japan, India, and other countries, were killed in this attack, the case is not only a domestic matter but also holds international importance. Considering this, the state side will take initiative for a speedy hearing and disposal.

On the night of July 1, 2016, members of the banned militant organization Neo-JMB carried out an attack on the Holey Artisan restaurant in Gulshan. In one of the most horrific attacks in the country's history, a total of 20 people were killed, including 9 Italians, 7 Japanese, 1 Indian, 1 Bangladeshi-American dual citizen, and 2 Bangladeshis. Additionally, the then Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Banani Police Station, Salauddin Ahmed, and Assistant Police Commissioner Rabiul Islam were killed by grenades thrown by the attackers.

Five members of Neo-JMB were killed in a commando operation to end the attack. Later, eight more members of the organization were killed in separate operations by law enforcement agencies. North South University teacher Abul Hasnat Reza Karim was acquitted as the allegations against him were not proven during the investigation.

On November 27, 2019, the Anti-Terrorism Special Tribunal in Dhaka acquitted one person and sentenced seven accused to death. Later, after concluding the hearing of the death reference and the appeals of the accused, the High Court commuted the death sentences on October 30, 2023, sentencing the seven to life imprisonment. After the full copy of the verdict was published on June 17, 2025, the accused filed appeals in the Appellate Division. The case is currently awaiting a hearing.

Attorney General Md. Ruhul Kuddus Kajal said the case is pending in the Appellate Division. Recently, initiatives have been taken for the speedy hearing and disposal of important cases. However, there are some practical limitations, such as the shortage of judges and the pressure of cases. Nevertheless, the state side will take necessary steps considering the importance of the case.

In the High Court verdict, it was stated that since the five militants who directly participated in the attack were killed at the scene, their trial was not possible. However, if they were alive, they would have been convicted of capital offenses under the relevant sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The court further noted that the seven appellant accused have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of planning the attack, conspiracy, supplying funds and weapons, selecting militant members, training, and inciting the attack. However, as they were not present at the scene, the sections related to abetment and incitement were applied instead of the section for direct murder.

Considering these factors, the High Court sentenced each accused to life imprisonment instead of death, along with a fine of 50,000 taka and an additional five years of imprisonment in default of payment of the fine. The much-discussed case in the country now awaits the verdict of the Appellate Division for its final disposal.