Wave of bomb blasts, arson sweep country

Explosions and fires hit Dhaka, Rajshahi, Faridpur, Shariatpur and several other districts, targeting public transport, key infrastructure and government establishments A spate of crude bomb explosions, arson attacks and road blockades rocked several parts of the country on Tuesday, leaving a bus driver dead, two people injured and public transport and key infrastructure disrupted, raising fresh concerns over public security.

From Dhaka University to the Padma Bridge toll plaza, Shah Makhdum Airport in Rajshahi and railway stations in Netrokona, the attacks targeted public transport, government establishments and vital infrastructure, triggering panic among passengers, residents and pedestrians.

The most serious incident occurred in Faridpur, where a 55-year-old bus driver died after inhaling smoke when miscreants set fire to a parked bus beside the Dhaka-Barishal highway early Tuesday.

The driver, Kalachan Sheikh, was sleeping inside the vehicle in the Goalchamot area when three men arrived on a motorcycle. One of them allegedly poured petrol on the bus and set it ablaze.

Although he escaped the fire, Kalachan fell critically ill after inhaling smoke. He was taken to Faridpur Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

At Dhaka University, two crude bombs exploded at separate locations around 2:20pm, injuring two people, one of them critically. The explosions occurred near the Faculty of Business Studies and the adjacent Mall Chattar area, with one device detonating on top of a parked vehicle.

University Proctor Israfil Ratan said one victim sustained a serious head injury while inside a vehicle and was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Earlier, police recovered crude bombs from two locations in Dhanmondi, including in front of the residence of Mujibur Rahman on Road No. 32. A piece of paper bearing the words "Joy Bangla, Projonmo-71" was found beside the devices. Two more crude bombs were recovered near City College and taken away by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Bomb Disposal Unit.

In Rajshahi, two grenade-like devices found near the main entrance of Shah Makhdum Airport prompted authorities to close the gate and divert passengers. A passerby spotted the devices around 11am, and a bomb disposal team later neutralised them through controlled detonation.

Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmood Tuku, who arrived at the airport by flight around the same time, was escorted out through the rear gate for security reasons.

Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Additional Deputy Commissioner Md Gaziur Rahman said an investigation was under way to identify those responsible and establish their motive.

In Shariatpur, protesters blocked the Padma Bridge's southern toll plaza in Zajira around 1am, setting off more than 100 crude bombs and vandalising vehicles, according to police. The blockade halted toll collection for about half an hour, leaving vehicles stranded on both sides of the bridge.

Videos circulated on social media showed a large crowd carrying bamboo poles and boat oars, chanting political slogans and setting off explosions. Police accused activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations of involvement. Padma South Police Station chief Abdul Salam said investigators were examining video footage to identify those responsible.

In Gopalganj, clashes broke out between police and activists of the banned Awami League, Bangladesh Chhatra League and their affiliated organisations after thousands gathered at Tungipara bus stand around 9:30am and blocked the road.

The protesters allegedly set fire to a police pickup van, prompting police to use tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Road blockades and further arson incidents were also reported elsewhere in the district. Six platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh were deployed to prevent further violence.

Meanwhile, a series of petrol bomb attacks and attempted arson incidents were reported in Cox's Bazar from Monday night into Tuesday. A moving truck was targeted at Ramu Bypass Gate, while attacks were reported at the gates of a union parishad office and a Grameen Bank branch in Cox's Bazar Sadar, as well as in Chakaria and Teknaf. No casualties were reported.

Additional Superintendent of Police Shamim Kabir said police had launched operations to identify and arrest those involved.

In Chakaria, unidentified individuals locked the gates of the upazila administration office and several educational institutions from outside, hanging banners bearing the name of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shaheen Delwar said the locks, placed around 2am, were later removed with help from police, Ansar members and local residents.

Railway security was also affected in Netrokona, where an unidentified group set fire to an empty carriage of the intercity Haor Express at Mohanganj Railway Station around 6am. The fire damaged the rexine covers of four seats before railway staff and firefighters brought it under control. Train services continued without disruption.

Following the incidents, law enforcement agencies increased patrols and launched investigations across the affected districts. Police said they were examining CCTV footage and videos circulating on social media to identify those involved.

However, whether the attacks were centrally coordinated and what prompted the violence remain under investigation.