No impunity for terrorists, militants: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today reiterated her government's "zero tolerance" policy against terrorism and violent extremism, saying that there would be no impunity for such acts.

The prime minister was talking to Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Senator Benedetto della Vedova who called on her at her official Gono Bhaban residence here this afternoon.

After the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters.

Pointing out her government's steps to contain militancy and terrorism, the prime minister said her government is trying to find out the masterminds supplying arms and money to the terrorists.

Sheikh Hasina said her government has taken programmes to alert people against terrorism and militancy. "We are getting tremendous response to this end from the people," she said.

She said she has already talked to the people of all levels of 64 districts through video conference to create awareness against terrorism and militancy.

"The people of the country have become vigilant against these social vices due to such campaigns and we are going to resume such programmes soon," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said a trend is seen that youths of well-educated and well-off families are being involved in radicalization. "It is seen everywhere, even in Europe."

Talking about the barbaric attack at Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan on July 1, the prime minister said: "We never expected such an incident."

"We have been able to tackle the situation within 10 hours, and subsequently our law enforcement agencies carried out some successful operations, killing and arresting some militants," she added.

At the outset of the meeting, Sheikh Hasina again expressed her heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in the Gulshan café attack.