Dhaka attack 'attempt to reduce credibility; of Bangladesh Govt.: Defence Expert

Condemning the Dhaka terror attack in which 20 hostages were hacked to death, Defence expert P.K. Sehgal has said that it was an attempt to reduce the credibility of the Bangladesh Government and instil fear in the minds of people.

Sehgal said that by carrying out the attack in one of the most high-on security area, the attackers wanted to send a message that there is no safe place in Bangladesh and that they can reach everywhere.

"The area chosen was such; it is the safest, secure and protected area in Dhaka. It houses diplomats, hi-end NGO's and wealthy people and there are many security posts, in spite of that attack this took place. A huge number of arms and ammunition were carried in to the restaurant, a very clear message was being sent to the government of Bangladesh, that no place is safe and secure in Bangladesh, we can reach anyplace and every place," Sehgal told ANI.

"They are trying to reduce the credibility of Government of Bangladesh, put fear in the minds of people of Dhaka and Bangladesh," he added.

Sehgal further accused Pakistan to be the mastermind behind the attack, adding that Islamabad is not able to tolerate prospering relations between India and Bangladesh.

"Apparently Pakistan is back of all terrorist activities that are taking place in India, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. This has been accepted without an iota of doubt, the type of planning and coordination that went in to this attack clearly indicated hand of somebody who was expert in this," said Sehgal.

"Pakistan also does not like the strengthening relations between India and Bangladesh, ever since Sheikh Haseena took over as the Prime Minister, the relation between the two nations are on up-swing. Hence, Pakistan is trying to do everything to spoil the atmosphere coming in to being between India and Bangladesh," he added.

Nine Italians, seven Japanese, one Indian, one Bangladeshi American and two Bangladeshis were among the 20 killed in the terror attack at Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan on Friday night.

Two senior police officers-Banani Police Station officer-in-charge Salauddin Ahmed Khan and Detective Branch Assistant commissioner Robiul Islam also lost their lives while trying to rescue the hostages.

Meanwhile security continues to be tight at all sensitive points in the capital, with police checking all vehicles especially in the secured diplomatic area where the gruesome hostage killings took place.