Bus Arson and a Series of Cocktail Blasts Hit Dhaka and Two Nearby Districts

A series of bus fires and consecutive crude bomb (cocktail) explosions in Dhaka, Narayanganj’s Siddhirganj, and Gazipur has created nationwide unrest and concern. From Saturday (15 November) morning until late night, at least three buses were set on fire and more than 15 cocktail explosions occurred in different areas of the capital. Although no casualties were reported, questions have arisen among the public regarding the law and order situation.

Passenger Minibus Set on Fire While Parked in Siddhirganj

Around 6 a.m. on Saturday, a minibus of Naf Paribahan parked in front of the Roads and Highways Department office at Shimrail intersection in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj City Corporation, caught fire. With help from locals, the fire service quickly arrived and brought the blaze under control. Since no one was inside the bus, no casualties occurred.

Siddhirganj police station reported that the driver had parked the vehicle the previous night. The night guard said that he went out of sight briefly, and upon returning noticed the fire. It is still unclear whether the fire was caused by a mechanical fault or an act of sabotage. Investigation is ongoing.

Massive Fire in Moving Bus in Gazipur

On the same day, around 8 p.m., a moving bus suddenly caught fire in the Hurricane area under Gacha Police Station in Gazipur Metropolitan City. Although two units of the fire service extinguished the fire within 20 minutes, about 80 percent of the bus was burned.

Witnesses stated that the fire spread from the engine. Around 10 passengers jumped off the bus quickly, preventing casualties. However, after the incident, the driver and the helper could not be found. Police primarily suspect a mechanical fault.

Multiple Cocktail Explosions Throughout the Day and Night in Dhaka

A series of crude bomb explosions in Mirpur, Pallabi, Hatirjheel, Mouchak, Agargaon, and Airport Railway Station areas of Dhaka triggered panic from noon to midnight. Though no casualties were reported, public anxiety rose and security was tightened.

Mirpur–Pallabi

From 5:30 p.m. until late night, four explosions occurred in the Mirpur BRTA area, under the metro station, and at Sagurta Mor in Pallabi. Police stated these were not cocktails but firecrackers wrapped in Scotch tape. Miscreants detonated them to create panic.

Hatirjheel

Around 6:15 p.m., a cocktail explosion under the Madhubag Bridge ignited a motorcycle. No one was injured.

Mouchak

Around 4:30 p.m. at Mouchak Crossing, miscreants detonated a cocktail from the flyover and fled.

Airport Railway Station

After 10 p.m., a cocktail explosion occurred at Platform No. 1. Police are analyzing CCTV footage to identify the suspect.

Agargaon

After 9 p.m., miscreants on motorcycles detonated a cocktail in front of the ADB building and fled.

Law Enforcement Response

Police said CCTV footage has been collected from every incident location. They are investigating the possibility of sabotage behind multiple incidents. Authorities also suspect that, in some cases, political motives may be behind attempts to incite panic.

A responsible officer at the Airport Railway Station said, “This is not being viewed as an isolated incident. Efforts are underway to identify those responsible.”

The explosions and fires across three districts including the capital in a single day have created a sense of uncertainty among the public. With the election approaching, questions are being raised about the motives behind such consecutive incidents. Law enforcement officials say they cannot confirm anything before the investigation, but everything is under close surveillance.