A moving Shikhor Paribahan passenger bus was set on fire in Mirpur-11 in Dhaka on Saturday evening, while another passenger bus was targeted in an attempted arson attack in Mirpur-1, police said.
The Shikhor Paribahan bus was set on fire at around 7:13pm while it was moving opposite Zamzam Tower in Mirpur-11.
“Miscreants set a bus on fire. It has been extinguished and there were no casualties,” Hasan Bashir, officer-in-charge (OC) of Pallabi police station, told Dhaka Tribune.
Two units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence went to the scene after being informed and brought the fire under control. Police were collecting CCTV footage from the area to identify those involved.
Meanwhile, an attempt was made to set fire to a passenger bus in Mirpur-1.
“Miscreants attempted to set fire to a passenger bus, but fled after being chased by locals,” said Hafizur Rahman, OC of Mirpur police station.
Police were analyzing CCTV footage from the scene and nearby areas to identify those involved.
The incidents came a day after crude bomb explosions were reported in several parts of the capital following Friday prayers, including Jatrabari, Moghbazar and Agargaon. Three passenger buses were also set on fire at three locations that night.
Following the incidents, law enforcement agencies strengthened security measures across the capital. More than 200 checkpoints were set up, while police patrols were also increased.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police said police were operating more than 200 checkpoints at key points across the capital.
Special surveillance was also maintained at four major entry points to Dhaka, where vehicles entering and leaving the capital were being monitored and suspicious individuals and vehicles searched.
