No cause for panic

The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit is currently working on concerns over a possible militant attack in the country.

However, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has assured that there is no cause for public panic.

Officials said that while CTTC is monitoring the possibility of an attack, citizens should not be alarmed as security measures have already been strengthened based on directives from Police Headquarters.

The clarification was issued in a notice signed on Saturday by CTTC Joint Commissioner of the DMP, Munshi Shahabuddin.

Earlier, on Thursday, a letter signed by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kamrul Ahsan of Police Headquarters instructed enhanced security at key installations across the country in view of a suspected sabotage plot involving members of a banned extremist organisation.

The letter stated that intelligence information indicated regular communication between Istiyak Ahmed Sami, also known as Abu Bakkar or Abu Mohammad, a recently arrested extremist group member, and two dismissed members of a law enforcement agency.

It further suggested that they might attempt to carry out bomb attacks, or assaults using locally made sharp weapons or firearms, targeting sensitive locations such as the National Parliament Building, law enforcement installations, places of worship, entertainment centres, and key areas including Shahbagh.

It also warned of possible plans to target armouries of various security forces.

Law enforcement agencies have assessed the individuals involved as posing a high risk to national security.

The directive called for strengthened security arrangements at important installations across the country, along with enhanced surveillance and appropriate legal action against the individuals named in the intelligence report.