The Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka is on high alert after a series of explosions at multiple locations and a bus arson attack triggered a big security response from law enforcement officials. More than 200 checkpoints have been set up across the city, and patrols have been stepped up because of fears of sabotage and public safety threats, officials said.
According to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) officials, 14 crude bomb or cocktail explosions were reported in seven major points in the capital between Friday afternoon and late evening. The affected areas included Malibagh, Agargaon, Mohakhali, Jatrabari, Babubazar, Moghbazar and the area in front of the Bangladesh Television (BTV) building. A bus was also set on fire near Kafrul Police Station, resulting in security issues as well.
Police have launched a citywide security operation to prevent further incidents. More than 200 checkpoints have been set up at major intersections, flyovers, strategic roads and entry and exit points throughout Dhaka. Police are checking vehicles, checking IDs and watching suspicious activities through surveillance cameras. Motorcycles are being looked at because they are a target for criminal activities or sabotage, officials said.
DMP Additional Deputy Commissioner Niaz Mehedi said the force had taken extensive measures to maintain law and order. Other explosions and the bus fire have been investigated, and cases have been filed. Police have also beefed up ordinary patrols along with the new checkpoints to strengthen security across the city.
There are reports of injuries to at least a few people in some of the explosions, and investigators are trying to discover the identities of those responsible, police said. CCTV footage from affected areas is being collected and analysed as part of the investigation. Suspects in some of these incidents may have been identified, and legal actions are now being pursued, police officials said.
The increased security effort also resulted in the arrest of 23 people in a mosque in Dhaka’s Farmgate neighbourhood. The detentions were based on intelligence on possible links to the banned militant group Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), investigators said.
Police have also asked residents to be vigilant and to cooperate with security officials at checkpoints. The more robust measures are intended to reassure the public and prevent any further disruption to normal life in the city. Security teams are being put in place to monitor key locations and respond quickly to any emerging threats.
Cases of violence and political tension in Bangladesh have led to periodic security concerns in the past two decades. These are precautionary and should not affect public safety while investigations are ongoing, the Ministry said.
With checkpoints operating throughout Dhaka and security forces maintaining a visible presence on the streets, the capital is under high surveillance as officials try to catch those behind the explosions and prevent any more.
