A Series of Cocktail Explosions and Arson Attacks in Dhaka

A surge of crude bomb (cocktail) explosions and arson attacks on buses across the capital Dhaka in the last 24 hours has created widespread panic among the public. From late Saturday (15 November) night to Sunday (16 November) evening, more than 10 crude bomb explosions occurred in different parts of the capital, injuring one pedestrian.

Miscreants Set Fire at South Keraniganj Police Station Dumping Yard

Miscreants set fire to the dumping yard of Dhaka’s South Keraniganj Police Station. The incident occurred around 10:00 pm on Sunday (16 November). The matter was confirmed by Sajedul Kabir Zowardar, Senior Station Officer of Postagola Fire Service.

He said firefighters rushed to the scene after receiving the report of the fire at South Keraniganj Police Station around 10:00 pm. Based on the condition of the fire and eyewitness accounts, it appears the fire was intentionally set. A lagoon (three-wheeler-style vehicle) kept in the dumping yard was burned. Two units of the Fire Service brought the blaze under control.

Cocktail Explosion on New Eskaton Road

Around 8:40 a.m. on Sunday, a crude bomb exploded in front of the Waqf Building on New Eskaton Road. A pedestrian named Abdul Basir (50) was injured. He said he was walking to his office when the explosion suddenly occurred, causing injuries to his leg and hand. Initial observation from the scene suggests that the crude bomb may have been thrown from the flyover. The injured man was taken to the hospital immediately.

Explosion in Front of Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan’s Residence

Around 9 p.m. on Sunday, two crude bombs exploded in front of the residence of Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, on Central Road. Fortunately, no one was injured. Eyewitnesses said miscreants fled the scene after the explosions. Police are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators.

Sabotage in Karwan Bazar and Shyampur

Around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, two crude bombs exploded under the Karwan Bazar Metro Station. No casualties were reported. At the same time in Shyampur, three crude bombs were thrown from the flyover. Two exploded in front of Bikrampur Plaza and one in front of Setu Market. The loud blasts caused panic among nearby residents, who started running in fear.

Attacks Near ADB Building and Airport Railway Station

At 8:20 p.m. on Saturday, miscreants on a motorcycle detonated a crude bomb in front of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) building in Agargaon. On Sunday around 11 p.m., another crude bomb exploded near the Airport Railway Station. No injuries were reported in these incidents.

Arson Attack on Bus

Late Saturday night, a parked bus near Begum Fazilatunnesa School in Hazaribagh was set on fire. Local authorities responded quickly to the incident.

Arrests and Security Measures

RAB-2 detained Md. Ferdous alias Barek from the Basila area of Mohammadpur. Six petrol bombs, a samurai sword, and a gas lighter were recovered from him. Police claimed the detainee was planning sabotage in line with a program by the Awami League.

DMP stated that important areas such as New Market, Shyampur, Kalabagan, Tejgaon, and several metro stations are under heightened surveillance. Masud Alam, Deputy Commissioner of Ramna Division, said police are working jointly and analyzing CCTV footage.

Context of Rising Violence

The verdict in the trial of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina—charged with "crimes against humanity" during the July uprising—is scheduled to be announced on November 17. Police claim that since November 10, arson attacks on buses and crude bomb explosions in Dhaka and other areas have been linked to tensions surrounding the upcoming verdict. According to police, online programs by the Awami League and activities of its affiliated organizations have contributed to the rising tension.

Escalating Threat to Public Safety

These acts of sabotage across the capital pose a serious threat to public safety. Alongside one injured pedestrian, widespread fear has gripped the city. Law enforcement agencies and RAB are conducting active operations, but political tensions and planned sabotage attempts are making the situation increasingly complex.

Experts warn that such attacks and unrest ahead of the election may pose a major challenge for the administration. Ensuring public safety and swiftly identifying the sabotage networks are crucial.