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Sunday | September 20, 2026 | Dhaka

Dhaka on heightened security

Over 200 checkpoints set up after blasts, arson
 Staff Reporter
 Published: 12:56 AM, 20 September 2026

Public safety concerns have prompted heightened security measures across Dhaka following a series of cocktail bomb explosions and bus arson incidents, with police and other law enforcement agencies intensifying searches and patrols across the capital.

More than 200 checkpoints have been established on major roads since Friday night, with police checking vehicles and individuals considered suspicious as part of efforts to prevent further incidents and maintain public safety.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said security operations were being conducted along all four major entry routes to the capital.

Police have also filed general diaries (GDs) and cases over Friday’s explosions and bus arson incidents.

Investigators are collecting CCTV footage from the locations of the incidents to identify those responsible and bring them to justice, the DMP said.

The Special Response Battalion (SRB) has also deployed personnel at checkpoints on key roads and stepped up patrols since Friday night.

In separate operations conducted over the past 24 hours, DMP units arrested 515 people in different parts of Dhaka and filed 47 cases, according to police.

The highest number of arrests was reported in Mirpur, where 120 people were detained, followed by Tejgaon with 92, Motijheel 76, Wari 64, Uttara 46, Lalbagh 34, Ramna 30, Gulshan 37 and the Detective Branch 16.

Police said the operations resulted in the recovery of two foreign-made pistols, two magazines and 10 rounds of ammunition.

Officers also seized three cleavers, five knives and remnants of exploded cocktail bombs, along with 53 iron nails.

The raids also led to the seizure of 94.35kg of cannabis, 11,167 yaba tablets and 121.3 grams of heroin.

Police recovered three bottles of foreign liquor, 20 cans of beer, a private car, five mobile phones and Tk7,200 in cash.

ADC Niaz Mehedi of the DMP’s Public Relations and Media wing confirmed the arrests and said further legal action against those detained was under way.

The intensified security measures come amid growing concerns over isolated acts of violence and the safety of commuters and residents in the capital.

Police said searches, surveillance and patrols would continue as investigations into the recent incidents progress.