Government happy over Gulshan attack verdict: Law minister

Law Minister Anisul Huq on Wednesday said the government is satisfied with the verdict on the terror attack in Gulshan Holey Artisan cafe.

He also said an investigation will be run into how one of the convicts in the courtroom was wearing a cap with the logo of international terrorist organisation Islamic State.

"We are happy with the verdict. That we are finishing trials of such much-talked-about cases is the reason behind this satisfaction," the minister told reporters at the Secretariat.

The prime minister clearly stated after the Gulshan terror attack that the criminals must be handed down punishment, and this verdict is a confirmation to her vows, the minister added.

Seven men were sentenced to death for their roles in the July 1, 2016 attack on an upscale cafe in the heart of the diplomatic quarter which left 22 people, mostly foreigners, dead.

One of the accused in the case was acquitted. Minister Anisul Huq said he has to see the judgement at first before commenting on the matter.

"The trial on the case began in December last. The court took statements of 113 witnesses. But we have to see the judgement and the witness and evidence against the person who go acquitted in the case. Then, we will decide appealing against the verdict in the upper court," the minister said.

When asked how one of the convicts was wearing an IS cap, Anisul Huq said the matter will be investigated.

"How can I answer this? It will be investigated. We will discuss the matter," he said.

To another query about recovering the lost image of Bangladesh in the global arena, the law minister said the government has proved that the country can ensure a quick trial of such killings through following the legal procedure rightly.

The death reference will reach the High Court Division within seven days. "We hope the paper books will be prepared soon, and the verdict will be executed on time," the minister said.