WEB DESK /
There are reports of a hostage crisis in Bangladesh capital Dhaka. Foreign citizens are also reported to have been taken hostage. A gun battle began around 9 PM local time between police and unidentified attackers in the diplomatic area of the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, officials say.
Local media reported that several gunmen had entered the Holey Artisan Bakery cafe and opened fire.The cafe is described as being popular with expatriates, diplomats and middle-class families.
Several people including foreigners are being held hostage in the midst of a gunfire exchange between police and criminals in Dhaka’s Gulshan Diplomatic zone reports daily Star.
The incident, that began around 8:45pm tonight at Holey Artisan Bakery Spanish restaurant on Road 79, has caused to injuries of at least 30 people including police officials.
According to intelligence gathered by local daily Star at spot, about five assailants entered one Holey Artisan Bakery restaurant on Road 79 and opened gunfire around 9:20pm.
Two policemen injured in firing incident in Gulshan member, reports Bangla Tribune
Three people, including two police officers, have been wounded after gunmen stormed a cafe in the Gulshan district, police say. TV reports say.
The Dhaka Tribune said at least 20 civilians had been taken hostage, but this was not confirmed.
Police and security forces have sealed off the area.
The US embassy in Dhaka tweeted that there were “reports of shooting and hostage situation”.
Photo ; Bangla Tribune