Gunmen attacked Gulshan restaurant screaming Allahu Akbar, says witness

The gunmen who are reportedly holding hostages inside a restaurant in Gulshan screamed ‘Allahu Akbar’ as they launched the attack, a witness has said.

Police said the restaurant in Dhaka’s diplomatic zone came under attack around 9pm on Friday. The armed men were still inside when the Rapid Action Battalion chief Benazir Ahmed briefed the press.

The restaurant’s manager Sumon Reza, who managed to escape, said the attack started with an explosion. He said the men shouted “Allahu Akbar” or ‘God is great.”

There were eight of them, and heavily armed with knives, firearms and explosives, he said. 

“Around 20 foreign nationals who were inside hid under the tables after the loud blast.”

Reza said he ran up to the roof like many others inside the restaurant did. They jumped across to the next building, some injuring themselves in the process. 

Several employees were still inside, he said. “We are calling them, but they are not picking up, or stopping the calls.” 

An explosion was heard while he spoke. Policemen were seen bringing out their injured colleagues.

Police have confirmed that OC Md Salahuddin of Banani Police Station has died from his injuries.

At least 20 were being treated at the nearby United Hospital.