Gunmen attack in Dhaka’s diplomatic area

A gun battle is taking place between police and unidentified attackers in the diplomatic area of the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, officials say.

Three people, including two police officers, have been wounded at a cafe in the Gulshan district, police say.

Several police officials have been wounded in the apparent terrorist attack, at least 20 civilians, mostly foreigners, held hostage inside the restaurant, according to witness accounts.

Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Gulshan Division Police Rafiqul Islam confirmed that three people were shot in an apparent terrorist attack in Gulshan Friday evening, Dhaka Tribune reported. 

He also said the injured—two police constables and a civilian- have been sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). 

The Bangladesh Daily Star reported that several gunmen had entered the Holey Artisan Bakery cafe and opened fire.

The US embassy in Dhaka tweeted that there were “reports of shooting and hostage situation”.
Police and security forces have sealed off the area.

Several people including foreign nationals are believed to be held hostage.

A witness said from his house in the upscale Gulshan area of Dhaka he could hear gunfire and it “looked quite bad”.

It is not clear who the attackers are, although a police officer told the BBC that Islamic militants were suspected.

The cafe is described as being popular with expatriates, diplomats and middle-class families.

Although high-profile gun attacks are rare in Bangladesh, the latest incident follows a series of murders widely blamed on Islamist extremists.

Bangladesh has seen a series of attacks, mostly using machetes, targeting bloggers, atheists and religious minorities.

-Agencies