Holey Artisan Bakery attack case hearing April 3

Dhaka, March 27 -The five gunmen, who attacked Gulshan’s Holey Artisan Bakery, shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ as they launched their attack at the capital’s upscale neighbor-hood, a witness told the court on Wednesday.
Dhaka’s Anti-Terrorism Special Tribunal heard the testimony of Inspector Salahuddin Mia, who was then the in-charge of investigations at the Gulshan Police Station.
“I rushed to the Holey Artisan Bakery on the night of Jul 1, 2016 after gunshots were reported and found several members of the police, including Sub-Inspector Faruq at the scene. The attackers were shouting Allahu Akbar as they fired and hurled bombs at us,” Salahuddin , who is now the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Dhaka’s Shah Ali Police Station, told the court.
He said that 30-35 police members were injured when the terrorists fired and hurled bombs. “They were taken to a nearby hospital. Soon after, we came to know that the then-Banani Police Station OC Salahuddin Khan has died,” the police officer said.
Defence counsel Faruq Ahmed cross-examined the witness before Judge Md Mojibur Rahman the court adjourned for the proceedings of the day, fixing April 3 for the next hearing. The court has so far heard testimonies of 26 witnesses.
The trial in the 2016 terror attack began in November last year with the indictment of eight suspects.
Six of the accused, Jahangir Alam alias Rajib Gandhi, Rakibul Hasan Regan, Rashedul Islam alias Rash, Sohel Mahfuz, Mizanur Rahman alias Baro Mizan and Hadisur Rahman Sagar are in custody. Suspects Shahidul Islam Khaled and Mamunur Rashid Ripon are still on the run.
According to the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009, all cases under the law must be settled within six months. Those found guilty under the law may face a death sentence or life in prison. – Special Correspondent