Seven bomb blasts rock Dhaka, police set up over 200 checkpoints
Crude and cocktail bombs went off at seven locations across Dhaka and a bus was set on fire, prompting a citywide high alert.
A series of frightening incidents unfolded in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on Friday. The city was busy as usual and people were going about their work after Friday prayers when a string of explosions suddenly rang out. Crude and cocktail bombs were set off at a total of seven locations across different parts of the city, spreading intense panic among residents and raising fresh questions about law and order in Bangladesh.
According to initial information, at around 7.30 pm unidentified persons threw three to four crude bombs near Jatrabari police station, seriously injuring a civilian. Unidentified persons then threw cocktail bombs from flyovers in the Malibagh and Mohakhali areas. Around the same time, another blast under the Babubazar flyover left two more people injured. There were also loud crude bomb blasts in Mogbazar, Rampura, and in front of the gate of the well-known Dhaka College in the New Market area. No one was killed in the blast outside Dhaka College, but it triggered a stampede in the surrounding area.
Before the city could recover from these blasts, at around 10 pm the culprits carried out another attack. Unidentified persons set fire to a parked passenger bus directly in front of Kafrul police station. The bus burned fiercely right outside the police station, causing alarm among security agencies. Police and fire brigade vehicles reached the spot on getting the news and brought the fire under control.
Fortunately, no one was injured or killed in the arson incident. But the fact that it happened right in front of a police station showed how emboldened the culprits have become. Additional police units and special security forces have since been deployed at Kafrul police station and the surrounding area. Security agencies are investigating whether the blasts and the bus burning are part of the same conspiracy.
Following these successive incidents, the Dhaka police administration acted swiftly and declared a high alert across the entire capital. The city has taken on the look of a garrison, with more than 200 special checkpoints set up for security. Every suspicious vehicle, motorbike and pedestrian passing on the roads is being strictly searched. Tight security has been put in place around major intersections, bus stations, the railway station, markets and government buildings.
According to the Dhaka police commissioner and senior officials, the suspects behind the blasts and the bus burning fled the scene. CCTV footage from all seven locations and the surrounding areas is being closely scanned to catch them at the earliest. Raids are underway across the city to apprehend the suspects, and intelligence agencies have also been put on alert.
A total of three people were injured in these incidents and are being treated at a nearby hospital. Police are investigating whether any particular terrorist organisation or political group is behind the blasts. The Dhaka administration has appealed to citizens to remain calm and not believe any rumours. People have also been asked to immediately contact the nearest police station or emergency number if they spot any suspicious object, unattended bag or suspicious person anywhere in the city.
