EU, Russia, UK condemn attack on Gulshan cafe

The European Union, the Russian Federation and the UK have joined an international chorus condemning Friday's terrorist attack and vowed to continue with the fight against global extremism.

Donald Tusk, president of European Council, in a statement condemned the brutal attack in Dhaka “in the strongest terms” and extended his condolences to the families and relatives of all the victims.

“The fight against terrorism will continue unabated. The European Union stands united against all forms of extremism. These attacks must not be allowed to undermine our common values,” the statement reads.

The Information and Press Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Russian Federation in a statement said: “We are indignant at this yet another inhumane terrorist attack, which has no justification. We express our sincere condolences to the relatives of those killed and wish the injured quickest recovery.

“What happened in Dhaka once again proves that it is necessary to immediately combine efforts of all the global community to fight international terrorism,” it added.

In a joint statement, British High Commissioner Alison Blake, acting High Commissioner Mark Clayton and the staff of the British High Commission in Dhaka said the attack at Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka was a senseless act of terror against innocent people living and working in Bangladesh.

“As a close friend of Bangladesh and fellow members of the Commonwealth, the UK cares deeply about what happens here and stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Bangladesh in the global fight against the evils of terrorism and extremism,” reads the statement.

“The attacks took place as people are getting together to celebrate the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr and in the holy month of Ramadan, with its values of charity, compassion, and community spirit. We should do all that we can to strengthen our resolve to proclaim Islam as a religion of peace and to reject those who seek to justify violence in its name,” it adds.

Earlier, UN Security Council, top UN officials, Japan and the Italian prime minister issued seminal statements condemning the attacks that claimed 22 people including nine Italian, seven Japanese, one Indian and five Bangladeshi nationals.