Bomb blasts, bus arson keep Dhaka on edge

A fresh wave of crude bomb explosions and bus arson attacks swept across Dhaka on Monday, targeting areas near educational institutions, court premises and busy transport hubs, as the capital continued to reel from several days of violence that have left residents increasingly concerned about public safety.

The latest incidents came barely a day after explosions rocked Dhaka University, police facilities and other locations across the city, while buses were set ablaze in the capital and its outskirts.

On Monday evening, unidentified assailants set fire to a bus beneath the Farmgate metro rail station, prompting police to strengthen security in the area.

• Bus set on fire beneath Farmgate Metro Rail Station

Tejgaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge Moniruzzaman said police rushed to the scene after receiving information about the fire and were working to identify and arrest those responsible.

Crude bomb explosions were also reported near the Teacher-Student Centre of Dhaka University and outside the District Judge Court, where suspects were detained in connection with the incidents.

• Crude bomb explodes again at DU’s TSC, one detained

In one such incident, a crude bomb exploded at the main gate of Government Bangla College in Mirpur, Dhaka, on the evening, while several shops beside the gate were set on fire.

In separate incidents, a bus was set on fire in the capital’s Pallabi area, while a van carrying gas cylinders was torched on Postogola Bridge in South Keraniganj on the evening.

Another explosion was reported in Shyampur, while separate blasts occurred near Shanto-Mariam University, World University and Southeast University.

Earlier in the day, explosions were reported near Titumir College and in the Rampura-Banasree area, indicating that the incidents were continuing from morning into the evening.

• Crude bomb explodes at Govt Bangla College gate
• Bus set ablaze in Pallabi, gas cylinder-laden van torched in Keraniganj

The attacks followed a particularly turbulent Sunday, when crude bombs exploded at several locations across the Dhaka University campus, including the TSC area, while other incidents were reported near the Criminal Investigation Department headquarters in Malibagh and Pallabi Police Station.

A member of the Special Response Battalion was injured when a crude bomb was thrown into the Pallabi police station compound, reportedly from an adjacent flyover.

Another person was injured in an explosion in Mirpur-11.

Meanwhile, a school bus was set on fire in Bhatara, and two buses were torched in separate incidents in Savar and Dhamrai.

The repeated attacks have heightened concerns over the security of public transport, educational institutions and government establishments.

More than 50 crude bomb explosions and eight bus arson incidents had been reported across the capital and surrounding areas over several days.

• Over 50 blasts, 8 buses torched: Who is behind Dhaka's terror?

The violence has continued despite arrests, the recovery of explosives and intensified police operations.

In several incidents, attackers reportedly arrived on motorcycles, threw crude bombs and escaped before law enforcement personnel could apprehend them.

Police have also been examining CCTV footage and monitoring the movement of suspected individuals.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police believes the incidents are part of attempts to create panic and disrupt public order.

DMP Deputy Commissioner for Media and Public Relations Md Akhtar Hossain said police were investigating the attacks and had arrested several suspects, including individuals allegedly associated with banned organisations and their affiliated bodies.

He said additional patrols, surveillance and intelligence-led operations had been introduced to prevent further incidents.