Unidentified miscreants detonated a crude bomb right in front of a police box in the Shantinagar intersection of the capital on Saturday evening, causing widespread panic among commuters and local shopkeepers. The attack occurred at approximately 8:00 pm on Saturday, 17 October 2026. Despite the loud explosion and sudden commotion in the crowded commercial zone, no casualties or injuries were reported.
Eyewitnesses reported that the perpetrators hurled the improvised explosive device—locally known as a cockpit or crude bomb—towards the police enclosure before quickly fleeing the scene under the cover of evening traffic. The sudden blast produced a loud bang and thick smoke, causing pedestrians to scatter and vehicles to stall momentarily. Police personnel stationed inside and around the post immediately rushed out and secured the perimeter to prevent further incidents.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Paltan Model Police Station Ariful Islam confirmed the incident, stating that law enforcement agencies reacted swiftly to assess the situation and restore order. Police have initiated a thorough investigation to identify the individuals responsible for the attack and ascertain the motive behind targeting a police outpost in such a busy urban hub.
Investigators are currently collecting closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from surrounding commercial establishments and traffic monitoring cameras to trace the movement and escape route of the suspects. Additional police units have been deployed across key intersections in the Paltan and Shantinagar areas, alongside heightened night patrols, to ensure public safety and avert potential law and order disruptions. Authorities confirmed that traffic movement through the intersection has since returned to normal as police maintain a vigilant presence in the area.
