Dhaka: Strongly denouncing the terrorist attack on a restaurant in Dhaka’s Gulshan area, Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Friday night said it has exposed that Bangladesh is going through a critical crisis.

In a statement, the party said, ‘BNP has long been saying the country is passing through a serious crisis. This evening incident is an outcome of the crisis.’  

BNP called upon the government to take an initiative with all irrespective of party and opinion to face the crisis, the statement reads.

The party hoped that the government will also make all-out efforts to safely rescue those foreigners held hostage at the restaurant.

BNP also urged the government to beef up the security of people, including BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, living in Gulshan area.

It also hoped that effective steps will be taken promptly to ensure the security of foreign diplomats living in the area.

‘BNP strongly believes that law enforcers will be able to tackle the situation with courage and commitment,’ the party said.

It also hoped that the law enforcers will be able to arrest criminals involved in the violent incident within a short time.

The party prayed for salvation of the departed souls of those police members killed in the incident and conveyed its profound sympathy to the bereaved family members.

Two senior police officials were killed and around 53 people, including several policemen, were injured in an exchange of gunfire between police and gunmen who stormed into a Spanish restaurant in the city’s Gulshan area on Friday night and took inmates hostage.