Security has been tightened across Dhaka following a series of crude bomb blasts and bus arson incidents in at least eight areas of the capital, with more than 200 checkpoints set up on major roads and entry points.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has intensified searches and surveillance, while police mobile, foot and motorcycle patrols have been increased across the city. The Special Response Battalion (SRB) has also set up checkpoints at several key locations and is searching vehicles and suspected individuals.
DMP Additional Deputy Commissioner (Public Relations and Media Wing) Niaz Mehedi told Dhaka Tribune on Saturday evening that the security measures had been taken following the incidents.
He said special checkpoints had been set up at important points, flyovers and entry routes in the Dhaka metropolitan area and surrounding areas to conduct searches and strengthen overall security.
From Friday afternoon until midnight, crude bomb blasts and buses being set on fire were reported in at least eight areas of the capital.
Following the incidents, law enforcement agencies reviewed the overall security situation and intensified searches and surveillance at key locations. Suspected individuals and vehicles are being stopped and searched at the checkpoints, while police are questioning people when necessary.
In a press release issued on Saturday, the DMP said all its divisions were maintaining round-the-clock vigilance to ensure the safety of city residents and maintain peace and public order.
The DMP said strict surveillance was being conducted on major roads, important intersections and the city's main entry points. Suspicious vehicles, including motorcycles, were being thoroughly searched to prevent criminal activity and disorder.
Police have also increased mobile, foot and motorcycle patrols across the capital. DB, CTTC and APBn teams have been deployed to prevent major crimes and acts of sabotage.
Police said general diaries and cases had been filed over the crude bomb blasts and bus-burning incidents. CCTV footage from the scenes is being collected and analyzed to identify those involved.
Police are also conducting operations to identify and arrest people allegedly linked to the incidents.
Alongside the police, the SRB set up checkpoints on important roads in the capital overnight and conducted searches. Its patrols have also been increased in various areas as law enforcement agencies remain on high alert.
Meanwhile, the DMP arrested 515 people during special operations in various parts of the capital over the past 24 hours, according to information released Saturday morning. A total of 47 cases were filed against those arrested during the operations.
