“Shocking Blast Outside Busy Dhaka Market

In a startling incident that sent shockwaves through a typically bustling part of the Bangladeshi capital, a makeshift explosive device detonated on Thursday evening just outside Fortune Market in the Mouchak area of Ramna, Dhaka. The explosion, believed to have been caused by what law enforcement officials described as a crude homemade bomb — often referred to locally as a “cocktail bomb” — occurred at approximately 7:00 pm and caused considerable surprise among bystanders, though, remarkably, it did not result in any reported injuries or fatalities. 

According to statements from Ramna Police Station’s Inspecting Officer (Investigation) Tarekul Islam Tutul, the explosion took place on the pavement in front of the busy Fortune Market — one of the city’s most frequented commercial hubs, where dozens of shops, eateries and transit routes converge each evening. The noise and flash of the blast momentarily stunned shoppers and traders, many of whom rushed for cover, fearing further incidents might follow. 

Despite the dramatic nature of the explosion, no passers‑by, traders, or nearby residents are reported to have suffered injuries. Eyewitnesses said the loud boom reverberated through the neighbourhood, drawing immediate crowds and prompting concern among locals about the intentions behind the attack. Some witnesses described a brief period of panic before it became clear that everyone in the vicinity had escaped harm.

Following the explosion, police cordoned off the area to conduct a detailed investigation and to preserve any forensic evidence that might assist in identifying those responsible. Senior officers have emphasised that it remains unclear who planted the device or what their motivations might have been. “We are exploring all leads and reviewing CCTV footage from nearby buildings to trace the individuals involved,” Inspector Tutul told reporters after visiting the scene.

The timing of the blast appears to coincide with rising tensions in the broader Dhaka area, where similar incidents involving crude bombs have reportedly occurred in recent weeks, including in neighbourhoods such as Moghbazar and Mohammadpur — though those explosions, like this one, also resulted in no casualties. Law enforcement authorities have repeatedly urged calm, stating that thorough investigations are underway to prevent further harm.

Local business owners around Fortune Market expressed shock at the event, saying that while street crime is not uncommon in Dhaka, violent explosive incidents are extremely rare. “We couldn’t believe what we heard,” said one shopkeeper, describing how he initially thought a vehicle had backfired before realising it was an explosion. Others taking part in the evening rush said they instinctively dived for cover before emerging to check on nearby people and property.

Traffic in the area was briefly disrupted as curious onlookers gathered and emergency services responded, though movement soon returned to normal once the site was cleared and declared safe. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward to assist with the inquiry. 

In the meantime, residents and traders in Mouchak are left unsettled by the unexplained blast outside one of their busiest commercial landmarks, with many hoping that police efforts will soon reveal who was behind the dangerous act and why it was carried out.