Gazipur city was thrown into a state of panic on Sunday afternoon following a brazen cocktail bomb explosion and armed robbery in the Bhogura area. The incident occurred at around 4:00 pm near the gate of Kazimuddin Chowdhury School and College, located along the Bypass Road, leaving local residents terrified.
According to police and eyewitness accounts, six men on bicycles intercepted a businessman carrying approximately BDT 2.4 million, which he was transporting for a bank deposit. During the attack, the assailants detonated a cocktail bomb and fired blank rounds into the air, creating widespread chaos and panic in the surrounding neighbourhood.
The victim, Shafiqul Islam, a businessman and agent of Dutch-Bangla Bank, had collected the cash from the bank to deposit it at Gazipur Chourasta Bank. He was accompanied by Habibur Rahman when the group of six attackers blocked their path. Using the explosion and gunfire as a diversion, the robbers seized the bag containing the money and quickly fled the scene. Residents present at the location reportedly scattered in fear.
Officer-in-Charge Harunur Rashid of Bhogura Police Station confirmed the incident, stating, “Our teams have thoroughly inspected the scene. The case is being investigated with utmost urgency. Several units are actively working to identify and apprehend those responsible. We are making every effort to solve this crime swiftly and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
He added, “This is a deeply regrettable incident that has heightened local awareness of personal and community security. We are implementing additional measures to strengthen safety in the area.”
The incident temporarily forced local businesses to close their shops, while residents lauded the police response but urged continued vigilance. Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage and have intensified operations in the vicinity to track down the culprits.
The key details of the attack are summarised in the table below:
| Incident | Location | Time | Amount Stolen | Number of Assailants | Method of Attack | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed robbery with cocktail bomb | Bhogura, Gazipur | 25 January, 4:00 pm | BDT 2.4 million | 6 | Cocktail bomb explosion and blank gunfire | Panic across area; increased public security awareness |
The incident has left the local community shaken, emphasising the need for enhanced security and vigilance in Gazipur’s busy commercial zones.