Crackdown intensified to subdue arsonists Police
Staff Reporter :
Law enforcement agencies have intensified a nationwide crackdown on saboteurs involved in arson and bomb attacks aimed at creating chaos and destabilizing the country.
Strict security measures have been implemented at key locations across the country to prevent panic and acts of sabotage. Miscreants carried out several acts of arson and vandalism in different parts of the city on Wednesday.
In a special operation on Wednesday, the CPSC recovered six petrol bombs and four Molotov cocktails from the abandoned Intellectual Graveyard in Rayerbazar under Mohammadpur Police Station. on the day, miscreants set fire to a Shatabdi bus in front of Sony Cinema in Mirpur, while another bus was torched in the Dholai Par area.
As part of the expanded manhunt, police arrested local Awami League (AL) leader Md. Anwar Hossain for his alleged role in setting fire to a bus in
Mymensingh that claimed the life of its driver. The arrest followed a review of video footage from the scene, police sources said.
Meanwhile, the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has detained 44 more leaders and activists of the AL and its affiliated bodies in separate operations across the capital in the last 24 hours.
According to DB officials, the arrests were made based on specific intelligence linking the suspects to subversive and anti-state activities intended to disrupt law and order.
DMP Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman confirmed the arrests, saying further operations are underway to apprehend others connected with the banned political organization and its front wings.
Police have tightened surveillance across the city to prevent unrest and ensure public safety.
A spate of arson attacks was reported across Bangladesh today. In Dhaka’s Mirpur, three disguised passengers set fire to a Shatabdi Paribahan bus, while another Alif Paribahan bus was torched in Ashulia, where attackers fired blank shots before fleeing. No casualties were reported.
In Gazipur, law enforcement recovered two unexploded petrol bombs from the Nisarga Resort, owned by Grameen Telecom Trust. Elsewhere, in Kishoreganj’s Bajitpur area, miscreants ignited a seat inside a Tisha Paribahan bus before escaping.
Similar incidents occurred on Monday and Tuesday, when several buses and a private car were set ablaze in different parts of the capital. In response, authorities have strengthened security nationwide and launched investigations into what appears to be a coordinated wave of attacks.
Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday reaffirmed the government’s firm stance against such violence.
“Criminals involved in anarchy will not be spared under any circumstances,” he warned.
DMP Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali assured city residents of comprehensive security measures ahead of the November 13 Dhaka blockade program announced by the banned AL, saying there is “nothing to fear.”
“The DMP is fully capable of tackling any subversive activities. Police, RAB, army, BGB, and various intelligence agencies are on high alert. Citizens should not be alarmed by these isolated acts of miscreants,” he said at an emergency press briefing at the DMP Media Centre on Mintoo Road.
To reinforce security, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has deployed 14 platoons of the paramilitary force in Dhaka and nearby Narayanganj and Gazipur districts. The Home Ministry ordered the deployment as a precautionary measure ahead of the International Crimes Tribunal-1’s expected announcement of a verdict date in a high-profile case.
“Fourteen platoons of BGB have been deployed in the capital and adjoining areas to assist local administration and law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and stability,” said BGB Public Relations Officer Shariful Islam.
According to BGB sources, 12 platoons have been stationed at key points across Dhaka, while two others are deployed in Narayanganj and Gazipur City Corporation areas.
The deployment follows enhanced security around government offices, court premises, and major intersections. Officials said patrols have been intensified and surveillance increased to avert any untoward incident.
Senior DMP officials and district administrators of Narayanganj and Gazipur confirmed that coordination meetings were held earlier in the day to assess the overall security situation and allocate forces accordingly.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement, assuring that all necessary measures are being taken to maintain peace and normalcy in public life.