Security personnel inspect a blast site in Dhaka after a series of bombings and arson attacks shook Bangladesh’s capital (Photo: X | @IndianSoul22)
Bangladesh woke up to a wave of violence as multiple explosions and arson attacks hit Dhaka and other districts on Tuesday with authorities declaring a nationwide high alert. The spate of incidents from vehicle torchings in the capital to crude bombs hurled at prominent buildings has unnerved a country already tense ahead of a politically sensitive period.
According to police and accounts from local media with the first incident started shortly after midnight, wherein a state run bus was torched. Over the span of the next few hours, a private car and several other vehicles were torched at separate locations.
Crude explosive devices were hurled at the Grameen Bank headquarters in Mirpur and a business belonging to an adviser to the fisheries ministry. Explosions and reports of blasts were also recorded near Ibn Sina Hospital, Midas Centre in Dhanmondi, Mouchak intersection, Agargaon’s Bangladesh Betar, Khilgaon Flyover and Shah Ali Market in Mirpur.
The attacks left a grim toll of people injured, at least one man reportedly burned to death after his vehicle was set on fire in Mymensingh and there is widespread property damage across the capital.
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Witnesses described chaotic scenes as fire and smoke swept through busy commercial and residential pockets. At least one unexploded device was recovered while several suspects were taken into custody during initial searches.
Officials have hinted at a possible connection to the political calendar with the violence came as the International Crimes Tribunal is expected to deliver a landmark verdict later this week and also just ahead of national elections due under the caretaker administration later this year.
Security agencies say they are investigating whether the attacks are meant to trigger public unrest before those events; investigators haven't spoken publicly about who may be responsible.
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The string of incidents in Bangladesh comes against the backdrop of other recent South Asian security shocks.
A fatal car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort on Monday and another blast at Islamabad's judicial complex on Tuesday have raised regional anxiety. Investigators in each country are pursuing their own leads; meanwhile, the clustering of violent events in the region has intensified calls for coordinated vigilance.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police banned mass gatherings in the vicinity of government and judicial buildings, while citywide raids and patrols were heightened. The Rapid Action Battalion and other units are making target searches, and railway and transit authorities have increased night vigilance.
Senior officials promised stringent action to restore peace and safeguard the democratic process. The days will be critical for the authorities to swing into action from containment to transparent investigations if these are to reassure a public shaken by this sudden escalation.
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Disclaimer: All information is based on verified news sources. Details may evolve as investigations and official updates continue.
