Crude bomb goes off under Karwan Bazar metro station
A crude bomb explosion rocked the area beneath the Karwan Bazar metro station in Dhaka late on Sunday evening, marking the latest in a series of coordinated attacks across the capital over the past 48 hours.
The blast occurred at approximately 7:30 pm under the elevated metro structure – a busy transit hub connecting downtown Dhaka with the northern suburbs.
Police from both Kalabagan and Tejgaon jurisdictions rushed to the scene, though initial confusion arose over jurisdictional boundaries.
Kalabagan Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Fazle Ashiq confirmed that two separate explosions were reported. “Our team responded immediately,” he said. “However, the site appears to fall within the limits of Tejgaon Police Station.”
Tejgaon OC Mobarak Hossain, however, maintained the location was within Kalabagan’s area. Despite the overlap, both units have launched joint patrols and forensic teams are examining CCTV footage from the metro pillars and nearby shops.
No casualties were reported from the Karwan Bazar blast, but shattered glass and scorch marks were found near the underpass entrance. Locals described hearing a loud pop followed by smoke and panic among pedestrians.
This incident follows several other suspicious explosions earlier in the day:
At 8:40 am, a pedestrian, Abdul Basir, 50, was injured after a crude bomb detonated near Waqf Bhaban on New Eskaton Road. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital with minor burns.
On Saturday night, around 6:10 pm, a similar device exploded on the Hatirjheel Madhubagh Bridge, setting fire to a parked motorcycle.
Then, at 8:20 pm on Saturday, another cocktail bomb was hurled in front of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) building in Agargaon. Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police OC Emaul Haque confirmed no injuries, but said miscreants fled on a motorcycle after triggering the blast. A manhunt is underway to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Authorities believe these incidents are linked to rising political tensions following the announcement of the verdict in the case concerning crimes against humanity involving ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina – charges tied to the suppression of the July uprising.
Though no group has claimed responsibility, law enforcement sources suggest the attacks may be orchestrated by elements associated with a banned political outfit seeking to destabilise the capital.
In response, the police commissioner has increased mobile courts, surprise checkpoints, and foot patrols in sensitive zones.
The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has also been placed on high alert, with sniffer dogs deployed at major intersections and transport hubs.
Security agencies are urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, particularly unattended bags or motorcyclists loitering near crowded areas.
As investigations continue, the string of explosions has heightened public anxiety – especially as schools, offices, and markets remain operational amid calls for normalcy.
The Home Ministry has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to restore confidence and ensure public safety.