Dhaka hostage crisis is contradiction of ethical and human values, says Sonia Gandhi

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday condemned the shooting and hostage situation in Dhaka, where the security forces are currently battling with assailants to end an unprecedented hostage crisis at a restaurant in the diplomatic zone of Bangladesh capital.

"Such attacks are contradiction of all ethical and human values," she said.

Expressing deepest condolences to family of the victims, Gandhi called for immediate collective and decisive action against those who are behind these attacks.

She further said the Congress party stands firmly with people of Bangladesh in these testing times.

Heavily armed terrorists struck at the heart of Bangladesh's diplomatic zone on Friday night, taking dozens of hostages at a restaurant popular with foreigners.

Two police officers were killed and at least 26 people wounded in a gun-battle as security forces cordoned off the area and sought to end the standoff.

Gunfight at the restaurant has reportedly in final stages or perhaps ended and about 8-10 hostages have been rescued by commandos, who are reportedly still inside the building.