Political Violence Escalates in Dhaka During Awami League Protest

Dhaka experienced a sudden surge of political violence, including crude bomb attacks and incidents of bus burning, coinciding with the Awami League’s district-by-district protest programme.

Police confirmed that cocktail bombs were detonated in at least four separate locations across the capital between the early hours of Monday morning and noon. While the attacks caused public disruption, police officials have verified that no casualties were reported in any of the incidents. In addition to the explosions, passenger buses were set ablaze and destroyed at two distinct locations in the city.

The first recorded attack occurred around 3:45 AM directly in front of the head office of Grameen Bank in Mirpur. Sajjad Roman, Chief of Mirpur Model Police Station, stated that CCTV footage clearly showed two individuals approaching the site on a motorcycle, throwing a cocktail explosive, and quickly fleeing. "We have their photos and are actively working to identify them," Roman added, confirming the bank sustained no injuries.

A second high-profile incident took place later at approximately 7:10 AM in Mohammadpur. A cocktail bomb exploded both in front of and inside the premises of Shashya Prabartana, a retail business. The business is noted for being owned by Farida Akhtar, an advisor to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. Mohammadpur Police Station OC Kazi Rafiq Ahmed reported that two riders on a motorcycle were also responsible for this attack. Police have secured closed-circuit camera footage from this scene as part of their ongoing investigation.

These coordinated attacks characterized by the use of crude explosives and arson highlight a continuation of intense political volatility in Bangladesh. Following the recent major national political upheaval, such violent acts often mark a re-emergence of hostility and political reprisals, frequently targeting key infrastructure or affiliates perceived to be linked to the former ruling establishment or current political figures.

The swift police action in securing footage indicates a determined effort to identify and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for introducing violence into the political landscape.