Ad Hoc Press Conference by the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Hagiuda
According to the Japanese Embassy in Bangladesh, at around 9:30 p.m. on July 1, local time, or 12:30 a.m. on July 2, Japan time, an armed group attacked a restaurant in Dhaka. The group took hostages, initiated a siege and engaged in a gun battle with the police, which has resulted in several police casualties. Given that there is also a possibility that Japanese nationals have been involved in this incident, the Government is exerting all efforts to confirm the facts. The Prime Minister has issued two instructions, namely to make every effort to collect information and confirm the facts, and to work closely with countries concerned, including Bangladesh, in prioritizing the safety of those involved. In terms of the Government’s response to the situation, at 2:45 a.m. on July 2, Japan time, a local emergency response headquarters was established at the Japanese Embassy in Bangladesh, which sent out an alert to all Japanese residents and travelers in Bangladesh. In addition, at 4:50 a.m. an information liaison office was established at the Prime Minister’s Office. This office is engaging in the collection of information and has issued the instructions from the Prime Minister. The office has now been converted to the emergency response office at the Prime Minister’s Office and is prioritizing response measures to ensure people’s safety. The Government has also decided to dispatch members of the Counter Terrorism Unit – Japan to Dhaka to engage in information gathering efforts.

Following this incident the Prime Minister has cancelled his election campaign visit to Hokkaido that was scheduled for today and held a meeting of the National Security Council a short while ago. The Government will continue to use all means possible in making the fullest efforts to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals.

Information has been received that Bangladeshi security forces have entered the siege location. The Government is continuing to put its fullest efforts into gaining information about the situation on the ground, using all channels.

Q&As

(Abridged)