Security has been tightened across Dhaka’s diplomatic zone following email threats sent to several foreign embassies in the capital, with additional law enforcement personnel deployed in and around the diplomatic areas of Gulshan and Baridhara.
Police have increased surveillance around embassies and other sensitive locations, deploying both uniformed and plain-clothes personnel. Checkpoints, patrols and monitoring in front of diplomatic missions have also been strengthened as authorities seek to prevent any potential security incident and identify those responsible for the threats.
Abu Khayer, an additional deputy commissioner with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s diplomatic security division, told Bangla Tribune that the police had not received any formal written complaint over the threats. According to him, the Chinese Embassy informed Police Headquarters of the matter through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit of the DMP subsequently became involved in the investigation through Police Headquarters.
“We have increased security since learning about the matter,” Mr Khayer said. He added that greater attention was being given to checkpoints, regular patrols and surveillance around the embassies. Quick Response Teams have also been kept on standby so that officers can respond rapidly if the situation requires it.
The police official sought to reassure the public, saying there was no immediate reason for panic. Security arrangements in the diplomatic zone are already substantial because of the presence of foreign missions and diplomatic personnel, and the latest measures are intended to strengthen those arrangements following the reported threats.
Authorities have yet to establish who sent the emails, why they were sent or exactly how many diplomatic missions received them. Police officials said they had not been provided with formal written details covering all aspects of the incident.
The threats reportedly came through emails sent to several foreign embassies in Bangladesh towards the end of last week. The incident prompted a meeting between representatives of the affected diplomatic missions and officials of the DMP’s Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit. The unit has since begun examining the matter.
Police sources said one possible motive was an attempt to create fear and anxiety rather than an indication of an imminent attack. However, investigators have not reached a definitive conclusion about the source or purpose of the messages.
The investigation is expected to focus on the content and origin of the emails, as well as any available information that could help identify the sender or group behind them. Authorities have so far refrained from publicly naming any suspected organisation.
The absence of a formal complaint at Gulshan Police Station has also been confirmed by police. No general diary or written complaint had been filed there in connection with the email threats, according to the authorities.
Despite the lack of confirmed information about the nature of the threat, law enforcement agencies have adopted a more alert posture in the diplomatic zone. The increased deployment is aimed at maintaining a secure environment for foreign missions while investigators work to determine whether the emails represented a credible security threat or were primarily intended to cause alarm.
