Buses Set on Fire and Cocktail Explosions in Dhaka: 17,000 Police Deployed

Before the “lockdown” program announced by the banned Awami League, several buses in Dhaka were set on fire and cocktail explosions occurred in multiple locations on Monday. In response to the situation, law enforcement agencies are on high alert.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) stated that around 17,000 police personnel will be deployed in the capital on Thursday in connection with the November 13 program. Additionally, members of the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and intelligence agencies will also be deployed.

It is noteworthy that on the same day, the International Crimes Tribunal is scheduled to deliver a verdict in a case concerning crimes against humanity during the July uprising. The accused in this case include the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun (as a state witness).

Buses Set on Fire and Cocktail Explosions in the Capital

On Monday evening, a bus of a private university was set on fire in front of LabAid Hospital on Mirpur Road in Dhanmondi. Earlier in the morning, similar incidents occurred in two passenger buses in Badda and Shahjadpur. However, no casualties have been reported.

The Fire Service reported that at 5:40 am a Victor Transport bus was set on fire in Shahjadpur, and at around 6:15 am an Akash Transport bus was set on fire in Badda. In both cases, the fire was quickly brought under control.

Additionally, cocktail explosions occurred at various locations, including Mirpur, Dhanmondi, Mohammadpur, Khilgaon, Bangladesh Betar Bhaban, and the main office of the National Coordination Party (NCP). In most cases, perpetrators wearing helmets on motorcycles carried out the explosions and fled the scene.

Investigation and Security Measures

DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali said that maximum security measures have been taken to prevent the Awami League’s announced program. Anyone who takes to the streets will be arrested.

According to DMP sources, searches and patrols have been intensified at the city’s entry points, important buildings, and residential areas. Operations are also ongoing in public transport, hotels, and hostels of educational institutions. Posts related to the Awami League’s program on social media are also being monitored.

Meanwhile, in the last 24 hours, police have arrested 34 leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and affiliated organizations in Dhaka. Among them are planners and financiers of sudden marches, according to DMP.

Special Security and Restrictions

In a public notice on Monday, the DMP declared all types of meetings, rallies, human chains, and processions around the International Crimes Tribunal and Supreme Court areas prohibited.

IGP Baharul Alam said, “The police are making maximum efforts to maintain law and order. If citizens cooperate, it will be easier to prevent these covert attacks.”

The interim government stated that one youth has been arrested in connection with the recent cocktail attacks, identified as a member of the banned Chhatra League. Security has been further strengthened at all churches and religious institutions in the capital.