Seven cocktail explosions reported in Dhaka, bus catches fire

A series of cocktail explosions were reported in different parts of Dhaka on Friday, while a passenger bus caught fire in front of Kafrul Police Station later at night.

The explosions were reported in Malibagh, Mohakhali, Agargaon, Jatrabari, Babubazar, Moghbazar and Rampura. Police could not immediately say who was behind the incidents or whether they were connected.

The latest incident occurred around 11 PM when two crude bombs exploded on the road opposite Bangladesh Television in Rampura, said Rampura Police Station Officer-in-Charge Jahangir Alam.

He said the explosion occurred in an area under Hatirjheel Police Station. Hatirjheel OC Mohammad Asaduzzaman said police were heading to the scene.

Earlier, around 10 PM, a passenger bus caught fire in front of Kafrul Police Station. No one was injured, said Kafrul OC Saiful Islam.

Asked whether the fire was caused deliberately, he said it was too early to confirm and police were trying to determine how it started.

At around 9:10 PM, a cocktail exploded beside Moghbazar Chowrasta Jame Mosque. Hatirjheel OC Mohammad Asaduzzaman said police were going to the scene. No casualties were reported immediately.

At around 7:58 PM, another cocktail exploded in front of a shrine beneath Babubazar Bridge. SI Malay Bashir, in-charge of the Babubazar police outpost, confirmed the incident and said senior police officials were at the scene.

A few minutes earlier, several explosions were heard in front of the main gate of Jatrabari Police Station at around 7:40 PM. Police initially suspected they were cocktail explosions.

Jatrabari police duty officer SI Md Hasanur said senior officers were investigating the incident and details could not immediately be confirmed.

At around 6 PM, a cocktail thrown from the Mohakhali flyover exploded below. Banani police SI Md Tarek said police were working at the scene.

Around the same time, a cocktail exploded in front of the Betar Bhaban in Agargaon, said Sher-e-Bangla Nagar OC Md Monirul Islam.

Earlier in the day, two cocktails exploded on the road near Malibagh Rail Gate after Friday prayers. No casualties or damage were reported.

Police said investigations into the incidents were under way. They have not yet provided information on those responsible or whether the incidents were linked.

sks