A wave of coordinated cocktail explosions and arson attacks struck four locations across Dhaka on Tuesday night, heightening public alarm over the deteriorating law and order situation. Unidentified assailants targeted Asadgate, Adabar, Mohakhali, and the Tejgaon industrial area, while a bus was set ablaze near the National Zoo in Mirpur. Authorities also recovered an unexploded cocktail behind Zahurul Haque Hall at Dhaka University, marking a significant escalation in recent acts of sabotage.

Intelligence reports indicate that 22 vehicles were torched across the country within a 24-hour period ending Tuesday morning. During this timeframe, at least 28 cocktail explosions were recorded nationwide, with 19 of these incidents occurring within the Dhaka metropolitan area. These coordinated attacks have created widespread panic among city residents as security agencies struggle to contain the surge in violence.

Details of the Attacks

Witnesses reported that two individuals on a motorcycle hurled explosives in front of a filling station at Asadgate before fleeing the scene. Similar tactics were employed at the Walton Plaza in Adabar, the Mohakhali bus stand, and the S.R. Enterprise filling station in Tejgaon. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the perpetrators managed to escape immediately after each blast, leaving no suspects in custody.

Government officials have attributed the ongoing sabotage to elements associated with the banned Awami League, alleging that these destructive acts are intended to incite political instability.

In response to the violence, the government has placed law enforcement agencies on high alert to suppress further unrest. Police headquarters and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police have intensified investigative efforts to identify the perpetrators and strengthen security measures across the capital. Authorities are now preparing special operations to dismantle the networks responsible for these attacks and bring those involved to justice.

A woman was killed and another sustained critical injuries during a violent clash over a warehouse occupation in Kaliganj, Lalmonirhat, on November 11. The incident occurred at 3:00 am when a group of 20 to 25 armed individuals allegedly stormed the facility, following a long-standing business dispute between the parties involved. Police have since recovered the body and sent it for an autopsy while the injured victim remains under treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.

The victim, identified as the aunt of local businessman Ashraful Islam Raju, died at the scene during the midnight attack. Raju reported that the conflict stems from a business relationship with one Nurul Islam dating back to 2014, involving land sales and financial settlements. He alleged that influential figures attempted to seize the warehouse without resolving outstanding debts, leading to multiple prior confrontations.

Failure of police protection

Despite filing formal complaints with the local police station regarding death threats, the victim’s family claimed that authorities failed to provide adequate security. The attackers reportedly used domestic weapons and heavy-duty cutting tools to breach the warehouse during the assault. This lack of intervention has sparked significant public outrage and fear among local residents, who are now demanding immediate justice for the deceased.

Ashraful Islam Raju said, “We sought protection from the police after receiving multiple death threats, but no effective measures were taken to prevent this tragedy.”

Kaliganj Police Station officials confirmed that they have received a written complaint and have initiated an investigation into the incident. Authorities stated that they are working to identify the perpetrators involved in the attack. Meanwhile, community members continue to call for the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible to restore order in the area.

At least 20 people were injured and a police vehicle was set on fire during a violent clash between law enforcement and activists of the banned Chhatra League in Gopalganj’s Tungipara on Tuesday. The incident occurred around 11:00 am at the Patgati bus stand area, following a strike called by the organization, leading to a complete halt in traffic on the Gopalganj-Pirojpur highway for two hours.

The unrest began around 9:30 am when activists gathered at the Gauhardanga Chourangi intersection armed with sticks. The group proceeded to burn tires and vandalize banners and festoons at a local Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal office. The situation escalated rapidly as the protesters ignored police warnings and turned aggressive, eventually setting a police vehicle ablaze near the Gimadanga Tungipara High School.

Impact on public order

The violent confrontation resulted in injuries to both police personnel and protesters, with victims receiving treatment at the local health complex. The blockade caused significant disruption to public movement, leaving commuters stranded for several hours. Local residents expressed concern that such acts of violence could further destabilize the regional political climate.

Tungipara Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ayub Ali said, “The situation is currently under control and additional police forces have been deployed to the area. Traffic flow has been restored, and we are maintaining strict surveillance to prevent further incidents.”

Authorities have initiated an investigation to identify the perpetrators involved in the attack on law enforcement and the destruction of government property. Legal proceedings are underway as police continue to monitor the area to ensure stability.