Dhaka witnessed a series of alarming cocktail bomb explosions on Saturday, targeting three densely populated areas: Shantinagar, Mouchak, and Mirpur. Over the course of the afternoon and evening, four separate blasts were reported, leaving at least one pedestrian injured and sparking widespread fear among local residents.
According to Mirpur police, the first incident occurred at approximately 4:30 pm in Mirpur-1, where assailants threw a cocktail bomb from the roof of the Muktijoddha Shopping Complex. The explosive landed on the pavement in front of a small shop, injuring the shopkeeper. The perpetrators fled the scene immediately, evading capture.
Later in the evening, around 8:30 pm, a second blast was reported near the Mirpur-10 police box. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in this incident.
Meanwhile, in Shantinagar, another cocktail bomb detonated at approximately 8:15 pm near West Signal. The device ignited an advertising billboard attached to a banyan tree, but no one was harmed. Just 25 minutes later, a fourth blast occurred at Mouchak Crossing, again causing no injuries but unsettling residents and commuters.
Speaking to Prothom Alo, Officer-in-Charge of Shah Ali Thana, Jahangir Alam, confirmed the incidents and noted the difficulty of tracking the culprits. “A cocktail bomb exploded in front of a shop at the Muktijoddha Market in Mirpur, injuring a shopkeeper slightly. We have inspected the scene. The bomb was thrown from the roof, and the perpetrators fled immediately,” he said.
Police have urged local residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the affected areas and increasing patrols to prevent further incidents.
The series of attacks has raised concerns over public safety in Dhaka, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures in commercial and residential zones, especially during evening hours when streets are crowded.
Summary of Incidents
| Time | Location | Target | Casualties | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:30 pm | Mirpur-1, Muktijoddha Shopping Complex | Pavement/shop in front of market | 1 injured (shopkeeper) | Bomb thrown from roof; culprits fled |
| 8:15 pm | Shantinagar, West Signal | Billboard on banyan tree | None | No casualties reported |
| 8:30 pm | Mirpur-10, Police Box | Near police box | None | No casualties reported |
| 8:40 pm | Mouchak Crossing | Open area | None | No casualties reported |