Dhaka is on high alert following crude bomb and arson attacks.

Dhaka – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – A wave of arson and crude bomb attacks in Dhaka yesterday targeted public transportation, institutions affiliated to the chief adviser and fisheries adviser, the National Citizen Party (NCP), and religious facilities, causing widespread concern.
Crude bombs were thrown at 11 spots throughout the day, and three buses were set on fire, causing officials to increase security. There were no casualties recorded in the arson events.
The police headquarters urged all Dhaka stations to increase patrols and surveillance ahead of November 13, when the International Crimes Tribunal is slated to issue its ruling in a case involving deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Security has also been increased at critical installations and religious institutions throughout the country.

In a statement last night, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing said the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and Rapid Action Battalion have launched a citywide manhunt to arrest those involved in the attacks. It also warned that any attempt to disrupt the nation’s religious coexistence would be met with the full force of the law.

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The attacks began early in the morning and continued until late at night.

The first explosion occurred around 3:45am in front of the Grameen Bank headquarters, an institution associated with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Two people on a motorcycle hurled a crude bomb at the building before fleeing, said Sajjad Roman, officer-in-charge of Mirpur model police station.

Less than four hours later, another duo on a motorbike threw crude bombs at Prabartana, a business establishment owned by Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter in Mohammadpur, said Mohammadpur OC Kazi Rafique Ahmed.

Around 7:30am, four crude bombs were hurled, two targeting Ibn Sina Hospital and two others in front of Midas Centre in Dhanmondi, said Shah Mostafa Tariquzzaman, assistant commissioner of DMP’s Dhanmondi zone.

In the evening, multiple explosions rocked different parts of the capital, near Mouchak intersection around 6pm, in front of Bangladesh Betar in Agargaon around 6:20pm, on Khilgaon Flyover around 6:30pm, and near Shah Ali Market in Mirpur around 6:40pm.

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Around 10:00pm, another bomb was dropped from the flyover, said Inspector (Investigation) Shah Alam of Shajahanpur police station.

The day’s final and most dramatic incident took place around 11:10pm, when attackers on a motorcycle hurled a crude bomb at the NCP office at Bangla Motor, leaving a bystander with minor injuries.

One unexploded bomb was recovered from the scene, said NCP Joint Member Secretary Mushfiqus Salehin.

He added that party activists chased two individuals fleeing on a motorcycle after the blast.

“Later, three more suspects were detained nearby, bringing the total to five. They were handed over to the police,” he said.

On Friday, several crude bombs were hurled at St Mary’s Cathedral in Kakrail and in front of the residences for priests and teachers of St Joseph School and College in Mohammadpur.

Meanwhile, two buses were set ablaze in Shahjadpur and Merul Badda early yesterday morning, while another was torched around 7:30pm in front of Lab Aid Hospital in Dhanmondi, police said.

Following the incidents, the DMP banned all types of public gatherings around major government establishments in Dhaka, including the ICT premises, until further notice.

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The spate of attacks coincided with the Awami League’s (AL) online call for a ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ on November 13, even though all political activities of the party remain banned.

The police’s Detective Branch (DB) said it has intensified counter-intelligence operations and surveillance to trace those responsible.

“They (AL activists) have declared they are willing to go to any extent for their leaders. We are investigating their involvement along with others,” said Shafiqul Islam, chief of the DB.

He said 34 AL leaders and activists were arrested in separate raids across the capital on charges of planning, financing and participating in flash processions.

The DMP also detained a 28-year-old Chhatra League member in connection with the crude bomb blasts, according to a statement from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.

The government reiterated its unwavering commitment to interfaith harmony. Security was reinforced at churches, temples, mosques and other religious institutions across Dhaka.

“We have been arresting those involved in subversive activities based on intelligence inputs. Whenever anyone is found involved, we act,” said AHM Sahadat Hossain, spokesperson of Bangladesh Police. “Pre-election violence in Bangladesh is unfortunately common, but we are prepared to prevent and respond.”

At a special security meeting at Rajarbagh Police Lines on Friday, police higher-ups reviewed the overall law and order situation and directed all Dhaka stations to intensify patrols, increase surveillance, and secure vital installations.

Following the meeting, the DMP conducted citywide security drills from 4pm to 5pm to test emergency response preparedness.

The security alerts extended beyond the capital.

Railway authorities were instructed to step up vigilance to prevent sabotage targeting rail tracks, stations and rolling stock.

In a letter to railway managers in Pakshi and Lalmonirhat on Sunday, officials warned of possible attacks and ordered night patrols, enhanced lighting, 24-hour depot security, fuel storage protection, and ID checks at all entry points.

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Managers were also told to regularly inspect CCTV systems, tighten access to workshops, conduct platform checks twice daily, and monitor ticket counters and waiting areas for suspicious activity.

On November 3, Emaul Haque, Officer-in-Charge of Sher-i-Bangla Nagar Police Station, sent a letter to the National Institute of Ophthalmology in Dhaka, instructing authorities to strengthen on-site security to prevent sabotage.

The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Ltd (DMTCL), operator of the city’s metro rail, has cancelled all staff leave until further notice, in anticipation of possible unrest.

Although the order did not specify a reason, insiders told The Daily Star that the precautionary move came amid intelligence warnings of potential political violence this month.

As the capital braces for November 13, officials said law enforcement agencies have been placed on the highest alert.

“Every attempt to destabilize the country will be dealt with swiftly and firmly,” a senior home ministry official said. “Our priority is public safety, national unity, and protecting the democratic transition.”