DNA test confirms Dhaka attackers' identities

The identities of five of the seven militants involved in the July 1 Gulshan cafe attack in Bangladesh have been confirmed through DNA tests, an official said on Tuesday.

"The five attackers were identified previously but their identities have been confirmed after matching their DNA with their family members," said Masudur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

The five attackers -- mostly coming from affluent families -- were identified as Nibras Islam, Rohan Imtiaz, Khairul Islam Payel, Shafiqul Islam Uzzal and Meer Saameh Mubasser, Dhaka Tribune reported.

Rahman said the identity of Holey Artisan Bakery's chef Saiful Chowkidar has also been confirmed through DNA test.

Seven terrorists killed 22 people, including 18 foreigners and two policemen, in a horrific attack on an upscale cafe in Dhaka's diplomatic area. It was one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in the history of Bangladesh.

Security forces killed six of the seven terrorists to end the 12-hour siege and captured one of them alive.

--IANS

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