Outgoing Italian Ambassador in Bangladesh Mario Palma on Tuesday appreciated Bangladesh for starting the trial of the perpetrators of the 2016 terrorist attack on Dhaka’s Holey Artisan Restaurant when 22 people, nine being Italians were killed as he called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said the envoy praised the professionalism of the law enforcement agencies in exposing to justice the suspected culprits in a quick time as he made the farewell call on at the premier’s Tejgaon office here.
“Trial of such horrific incident usually would take a long time also in our country . . . Bangladesh has done very well to bring the culprits to the court of justice,” Karim quoted Palma as saying. Expressing her steadfast stance against terrorism the Prime Minister said the government responded very quickly to combat the terrorists, bringing the situation under control within few hours.
During the meeting the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over level of relation and cooperation between the two countries and emphasised on continuation of relation, PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said. The Italian envoy expressed his pleasure for having the opportunity to visit the picturesque Bangladesh countryside particularly different tourist sites in Bagerhat, Khulna, Mongla, shrine of Khan Jahan Ali and Baol Mela at Lalon Shah shrine.
The envoy said he has translated many songs of Fakir Lalon Shah in his native language.
The envoy appreciated the Bangladeshi people living in Italy for their services to the Italian society and economy saying they are now contributing to the agricultural sector.
The Prime Minister said her government is working with the main aim of ameliorating condition of the downtrodden people and improving the living condition of the people in rural areas.
The envoy appreciated the vision of Sheikh Hasina’s government for rural based development saying the Italian government is also giving incentives to encourage people to live in villages.
PM’s Advisor on international Affairs Dr. Gowher Rizvi and Principal Secretary Md. Nozibur Rahman were present.
