Four people have been detained following a series of cocktail bomb explosions outside the residence of Manjurul Bashid, a judge of International Crimes Tribunal-2, in the Kalabagan area of Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
The incident occurred shortly before Friday prayers on 30 October, when unidentified individuals allegedly threw several crude explosive devices towards the judge’s residence. Police recovered three unexploded cocktails from the scene, which were subsequently neutralised by a specialist bomb disposal team.
Mahmudul Basit, the judge’s son, confirmed the incident. He said three cocktails were thrown in front of their family home shortly before the Juma prayers. At the time, his father was preparing to leave for the mosque. The sudden explosions caused alarm in the neighbourhood, prompting concern among residents.
Sheikh Zahidul Islam, Deputy Commissioner of Police for the Ramna Division, said at least four to five cocktails had exploded outside the residence. Following the incident, police officers searched the area and recovered three explosive devices that had failed to detonate.
A bomb disposal team was called in to deal with the unexploded devices. The specialists took the necessary precautions and safely neutralised all three, reducing the risk of further explosions or accidental injuries in the area.
The deputy commissioner also said four people were detained with assistance from local residents as they attempted to flee the scene following the explosions. However, the police did not immediately disclose their identities or provide details about the extent of their alleged involvement.
The motive behind the incident remains unclear. Investigators will need to establish whether the judge was specifically targeted or whether the explosions were linked to another motive. The statements of witnesses, evidence recovered from the scene and questioning of the detainees could help establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the security of judicial officials, particularly those serving in sensitive positions. Judges associated with the International Crimes Tribunal undertake important judicial responsibilities, making their personal safety and the protection of their residences significant security considerations.
The International Crimes Tribunal is responsible for trying offences under Bangladesh’s domestic law relating to international crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity and other serious offences. Security incidents involving individuals associated with the tribunal therefore carry wider implications for public confidence in the judicial process.
No immediate information was available about possible casualties or damage to the judge’s residence and nearby properties. The police have also yet to clarify whether any additional suspects are being sought.
The investigation is expected to focus on identifying those responsible for the explosions, determining the involvement of the four detained individuals and establishing whether anyone else was involved in planning or carrying out the incident. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
