Strongly support B'desh PM's resolve to weed out terror: Congress

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh came out in strong support of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's assertion to step-up the fight against terrorism and rising extremism, following the deadly attack in Dhaka.

Condemning the dastardly attack at cafe Holey Artisan in Dhaka, which left 20 people dead, Singh also called for strict action against the perpetrators.

"I have always said that organisations fuelling religious unrest give birth to terrorism. Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina is fighting against these religious organisations. We support her," Singh told ANI.

Hasina had yesterday said that Islamic terrorists were maligning the name of Islam and added she was determined to eradicate terrorism in Bangladesh.

"What she has said is right that what kind of Muslims are these who kill Muslims in the holy month of Ramzan. This is against Islam. We support her. Strict action must be taken against these. All these extremist groups, whether Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs or Christians, strict action must be taken," Singh added.

Yesterday, as the 11-hour operation to end the hostage crisis in a Dhaka restaurant came to a close, the Bangladesh Prime Minister said, "What kind of Muslims are these who kill others during Ramzan?"

20 people were killed by the gunmen who attacked the upscale cafe Holey Artisan and taking the diners in hostage in the diplomatic area of Dhaka last evening.

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.

Most of the victims were killed brutally with sharp weapons.

Thirteen hostages were rescued in the operation which included two Sri Lankans and a Japanese.

Though it was reported that the Islamic State claimed responsibility on the attack, the U.S. 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 presence of the militant in the country.