Dhaka attack: There has to be common definition to fight terrorism, insists BJP

Condemning the attack on the upscale cafe Holey Artisan and the hostage crisis in the diplomatic area of Dhaka, Bangladesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday said that to find a solution to terrorism, there has to be a common definition, understanding, and concerted action.

BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli told ANI that the larger question on terrorism has to be answered as it cannot be viewed in an isolation.

"The larger question remains that has to be addressed which is what PM Modi ji has been speaking on the global stage that there has to be a common definition, understanding and concerted action against terrorism, there has to be attack against the financial links that help perpetual terror and ensuring why our people joining terrorist organization, how they reaching there? And finding solutions in a concerted manner for that," Kohli said.

Complimenting the security forces for ending the operation, he added, "Our hearts will go out for those who have lost their lives, for those who have been injured in it. The government of Bangladesh has been working to tackling this problem and those who are in the name of ISIS going ahead and perpetuating terror, killing innocence."

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had earlier said that 13 hostages have been rescued alive from the cafe that led to the confirmed deaths of at least eight people - six gunmen and two police officers.

The 12-hour-long hostage crisis at the cafe popular with foreigners ended after a two-hour-long assault by armed forces' commandos killing six gunmen.

One assailant has been held by the security forces.

The assailants, believed to be carrying assault rifles and grenades, exchanged sporadic gun fire with police outside for several hours after the attack, which began around 9 pm on Friday.

Though it was reported that the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, the US State Department has said it cannot yet be confirmed.

The Islamic State has claimed a number of past attacks in Bangladesh through its media affiliates, but the government has consistently denied the presence of the militant in the country.

-ANI