The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Saturday said the explosive recovered beneath Motijheel Metro Rail Station last week was not linked to the bomb-like objects reported at the Mirpur-10 and Farmgate metro stations earlier in the day.
At a press briefing on Saturday, CTTC Chief and DMP Additional Police Commissioner Mohammad Shamsul Haque said the investigation had found no link between the Motijheel explosive recovery and the two incidents.
"So far, we have found no link between the explosive recovered at Motijheel and the bomb-like objects found at Mirpur-10 and Farmgate. The investigation is ongoing, and all necessary measures are being taken," he said.
Responding to a question, Shamsul Haque said the bag recovered at Mirpur-10 Metro Rail Station contained betel leaves, areca nuts, zarda and other everyday items, while the sack found at Farmgate contained discarded waste.
"No explosives were found at either location. As such, the two incidents are being treated as isolated cases," he said.
Asked whether any criminal group was behind the incidents, he said it would not be appropriate to comment before the investigation is completed.
Replying to another question on whether there was any militant involvement, he said no comments could be made until the investigation is over.
On the progress of the Motijheel explosive recovery case, the CTTC chief said police, CTTC and the Detective Branch (DB) are jointly investigating the incident and any new findings will be shared with the media.
Regarding the unavailability of CCTV footage or cameras being out of service at different locations, he said all related issues, including CCTV footage, are under investigation and the matter would become clearer after the inquiry is completed.
Referring to reports of bomb scares across the capital, Shamsul Haque urged people not to panic, saying police take precautionary measures whenever any suspicious object is reported.
He also called on people to refrain from spreading rumours or unnecessary panic.
Earlier, in his written statement, Shamsul Haque said the CTTC Bomb Disposal Unit responded immediately after receiving reports of bomb-like objects at Mirpur-10 Metro Rail Station and Farmgate on Saturday.
After conducting examinations using modern equipment, the unit confirmed that neither of the recovered objects contained explosives.
He said the bag recovered at Mirpur-10 contained betel leaf, areca nut, zarda and other ordinary items, while the sack found at Farmgate contained discarded waste, posing no threat to public safety.
Shamsul Haque also noted that the CTTC Bomb Disposal Unit had earlier professionally handled the recovery of an explosive-like object beneath Motijheel Metro Rail Station, ensuring public safety.
Urging people not to be misled by rumours or misinformation, he requested the public not to touch any suspicious object. Instead, they should maintain a safe distance and immediately inform the nearest police station, the national emergency service 999, or law enforcement agencies.
He also sought public cooperation by sharing necessary information to help ensure public safety.
