Over 200 checkpoints set up after string of blasts, bus torch

The explosions began after Friday evening, with 14 cocktail blasts reported at seven key locations across the capital.

A bus was also set on fire in front of Kafrul Police Station.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of the DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division Niaz Mehedi confirmed the heightened security measures on Saturday.

“We have taken adequate security preparations,” Niaz Mehedi added, saying cases had been filed over several of the incidents while others were still under process. 

A case has been filed over the bus fire at Kafrul Police Station.

Police have deployed checkpoints at more than 200 locations across Dhaka, including key intersections, flyovers and entry and exit points of the capital, Niaz Mehedi said.

“We are conducting searches at more than 200 checkpoints and strengthening overall security.''

He added that motorcycles would come under particular scrutiny to prevent the use of illegal or suspicious motorcycles in acts of sabotage or other criminal activities.

Regular checkpoints and patrols will continue alongside the additional security measures, Niaz said, adding that police efforts to prevent further criminal activity remain ongoing.

The 14 cocktail explosions were reported between Friday afternoon and 11PM at Malibagh, Agargaon, Mohakhali, Jatrabari, Babubazar, in front of the Bangladesh Television (BTV) building and Moghbazar intersection.

Separately, police detained 23 people from a mosque in Tejgaon, Farmgate, on Friday on suspicion of being members of the banned militant organisation Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).

Police said the detentions were made based on intelligence information. They initially suspected that those detained were members of the banned extremist organisation.