Bombs Keep Turning Up: Who’s Behind It All?

A series of bombs and bomb-like objects recovered in different parts of the country has raised questions over whether the incidents are genuine or part of an attempt to create panic. The incidents have drawn particular attention as the law-and-order situation is gradually returning to normal.

Law enforcement agencies have confirmed the recovery of genuine explosives and IEDs in some cases. However, several bomb-like objects were later found to contain no explosives, prompting questions about whether some incidents are intended to divert public attention or spread fear.

On August 1, bomb scares were reported simultaneously at two locations in Dhaka. Bomb experts later confirmed that the recovered objects were not bombs. Since then, several similar incidents in Dhaka and surrounding areas have renewed concerns over the sudden spread of bomb panic.

Security analysts have called for swift investigations, identification of those responsible, stronger technology-based intelligence operations and greater public awareness. They also say intelligence agencies should investigate whether any domestic or foreign group is attempting to portray Bangladesh as facing renewed militant activity.

A senior intelligence official told The Daily Inqilab on condition of anonymity that suspicious abandoned bags or sacks, rumours and false information can trigger such panic. Such incidents may also be intended to mislead law enforcement agencies or create alarm in crowded areas.

Police are separately investigating the IED recovered in Motijheel as a possible sabotage attempt. The official stressed the need to identify those behind the recent incidents and uncover the network involved.

CTTC chief Additional Police Commissioner Mohammad Shamsul Haque said several police teams, including the CTTC, were investigating the incidents and that those responsible would be brought to justice. He said their motives and connections would become clear after their arrest. He added that the CTTC was fully prepared to tackle sabotage and that extremist and terrorist groups remained under intelligence surveillance.

On July 24, the DMP Bomb Disposal Unit recovered a 1–1.5 kg high-powered pipe bomb from an abandoned umbrella beneath Motijheel Metro Rail Station. A passerby was injured while it was being neutralised through a controlled explosion. On July 30, a timer-equipped IED made from a pressure cooker was recovered from a travel bag at a grocery shop in Ashulia, Savar. Both incidents are being investigated as possible acts of sabotage.

Meanwhile, bomb-like objects found beneath Mirpur-10 and Farmgate metro stations on Saturday were later identified as a betel-nut container and discarded waste respectively.

Most recently, four cocktail-like objects were recovered from an abandoned shopping bag near Bata Signal on Elephant Road on Monday night. Police called the CTTC bomb disposal team, which took the objects for examination. The DMP Public Relations Division later said the objects were cocktails and had been neutralised.