Wave of Sabotage Shakes Dhaka: Banasree Blast and Multiple Arrests Amid Spate of Crude Bomb Attacks and Arson

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The capital has witnessed a sharp escalation in security concerns following a coordinated series of sabotage incidents, including crude bomb explosions at key installations, residential areas, and university campuses, alongside multiple vehicle arson attacks.

Law enforcement agencies have ramped up security and arrested several individuals linked to the banned student organization, Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), suspecting a calculated attempt to spread public panic.

Key Incidents and Timeline

 ● Banasree Explosion: A crude bomb (locally known as a cocktail) detonated early Monday morning at approximately 6:15 AM in the G-Block area of Banasree. According to Khilgaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Saiful Islam, no casualties were reported, and police are working to identify and apprehend the culprits.

 ● Rupnagar Arrest: Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) reported that a BCL member named Ashraful was caught red-handed late Sunday night in the Rupnagar area while attempting to detonate an explosive device. An unexploded crude bomb was recovered from his possession.

 ● Turag Raid: In a separate late-night operation on Sunday, police raided a residence in Sector 18 of the Turag Police Station jurisdiction and arrested another local BCL leader, 33-year-old Md. Biplob Khan.

 ● High-Security Zone Blasts: The unrest follows a string of explosions on Sunday evening, including blasts inside the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters in Malibagh and near the gate of the Pallabi Police Station. Earlier, between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM, eight to nine crude bombs were detonated across various spots on the Dhaka University campus.

 ● Vehicle Arson: Over a 20-hour window spanning Saturday night through Sunday evening, three public buses were deliberately set on fire in Mirpur, Mohakhali, and Bhatara.

Police Response and Investigation

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police maintain that the sudden surge in crude bomb detonations and bus arson attacks points to a deliberate sabotage campaign aimed at destabilizing public safety and fostering widespread panic. Security has been heightened across strategic checkpoints and vulnerable intersections throughout Dhaka as detective units continue broader operations to track down remaining accomplices.