Multiple cocktail bomb explosions and bus fires reported across the capital

Throughout Monday, several incidents involving cocktail bomb explosions and bus fires were reported across different areas of the capital, including Agargaon, Merul Badda, Shahjadpur, Mohammadpur, Dhanmondi, and Mirpur. Police have stated that the possibility of sabotage cannot be ruled out.

According to law enforcement authorities, just after 9:00 pm, two consecutive cocktail bombs exploded near the Radio Bhaban in Agargaon. Police later recovered an unexploded device. Around the same time, a bus of Akash Transport in Merul Badda and another bus of Victor Transport in Shahjadpur were set on fire, both burning completely.

In the evening, another bus caught fire in front of LabAid Hospital in Dhanmondi. Fire service officials reported that two units were dispatched to bring the blaze under control, and no casualties were reported.

Earlier in the day, at around 4:00 am, a cocktail bomb exploded outside the Grameen Bank headquarters in Mirpur. In Mohammadpur, two cocktail bombs were thrown near the premises of the business ‘Probotona’, owned by advisor Farida Akhter. Police said the attack was carried out by two individuals on a motorcycle who fled the scene.

Additional explosions were reported in the evening near Shah Ali Market, adjacent to Mirpur-10 roundabout, and on the Khilgaon flyover. Authorities confirmed that investigations into the incidents are ongoing.

Heightened Security Measures

Ahead of the planned “Dhaka Lockdown” on 13 November and the Jamaat-e-Islami-led eight-party rally on 11 November, police have stepped up security across the capital. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has established special surveillance at 142 points across eight divisions to prevent acts of sabotage.

DMP Commissioner Sheikh Sajjat Ali said:
“Checkpoints have been set up at all entry points to the capital. The movement of suspicious individuals is being monitored, and the police are prepared to respond to any violence.”

Additional security has been deployed at 34 points in the Ramna division, 14 in Mirpur, 16 in Wari, 17 in Motijheel, 15 in Lalbagh, 16 in Uttara, 14 in Gulshan, and 16 in Tejgaon.

Coordinated Operations

The police headquarters stated that coordinated operations are ongoing with the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the army, and local administration. Special intelligence operations are also underway at hotels, hostels, and university halls in the capital.

Over 3,000 Arrests

Deputy Commissioner of Media at DMP, Mohammad Talebur Rahman, said that more than 3,000 individuals have been arrested for planning flash marches and acts of sabotage involving members of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations.

Within the last 24 hours alone, the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB) arrested 34 party activists.

Student League Leader Arrested in Khulna

Meanwhile, in Khulna’s Forajipara area, student league leader Deep Panda was arrested by city detectives on Sunday night. Police stated that he was organising members of the banned organisation to carry out acts of sabotage on 13 November. He has been sent to prison through the court.