Law enforcement agencies are currently conducting rigorous examinations and analyses of bombs and bomb-like objects recently recovered and seized from various areas across the country. According to sources from the Police Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, the bombs recovered from Motijheel, Ashulia, Savar, and Keraniganj were fitted with "timers." All the recovered bombs are essentially Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Incidents in Savar and Ashulia

In connection with the recovery of bombs and explosives in Savar’s Shyampur last Wednesday, a case was filed with Savar Police Station naming 6 individuals and including 6–7 unidentified persons as accused. During initial interrogation, Mohammad Arif alias Imran, arrested in the case, stated that although he subscribes to the ideology of Neo-JMB, he is not directly involved in the bomb-making process.

On the other hand, a case was filed yesterday regarding the recovery of a pressure cooker bomb in the Sadhapur area of Savar. According to the First Information Report (FIR), around 1:00 AM last Tuesday, a local resident noticed 6–7 unfamiliar individuals moving around suspiciously. Sensing the presence of locals, they fled the scene hastily. Later, the pressure cooker bomb was found abandoned inside a plastic drum at the site. The following day, the police Bomb Disposal Unit successfully neutralized it.

Prior to this, on July 30, a pressure cooker-like bomb wrapped in adhesive tape was recovered from in front of 'Joyee General Store' in the Charabag area of Ashulia, Dhaka, where the presence of an IED was confirmed. Investigators suspect that pressure cookers are being used to avoid suspicion, as they are common household items. Evidence has even been found showing the steam vent of the pressure cooker being used as a specialized component of the bomb's structure. Evidence of Hazardous Chemicals and Technology

According to CTTC sources, following an explosion at a madrasa in South Keraniganj, Dhaka, in December last year and another bomb blast in Savar, "Triacetone Triperoxide" (TATP) was recovered from the scenes as evidence. TATP is an extremely dangerous and volatile organic peroxide explosive. In addition, around 10 kg of powdered substances, including hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid, along with various bomb-making equipment, were recovered from the sites.

According to the CTTC, analysis of post-blast evidence—such as ball bearings and antennas—suggests that the bombs may have been designed for remote control detonation. Such devices pose a risk of exploding at any moment. Due to the presence of civilians in densely populated areas, the entire process of safely recovering and defusing these high-grade explosives has become extremely hazardous.

Investigators believe that based on initial background checks of those involved in the Keraniganj, Motijheel, Ashulia, and Savar incidents, all are suspected to be members of 'Neo-JMB'. Al-Amin, Mamun, and Rabbi from Keraniganj, along with Rakib—accused in the attack on police in Jatrabari—are followers of the same ideology.

Fog of Uncertainty Over the Barishal Incident

Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over whether the explosion at the Barishal District and Sessions Judge Court premises on Wednesday was caused by a pre-planted device or thrown from the outside. The police have not yet released any specific information regarding the incident. Law enforcement agencies are awaiting the forensic report to determine the nature and type of the explosive.

Information on Militants Released on Bail and Escaped from Prison

Following the political transition on August 5, 2024, 174 militants were released on bail from various prisons across the country. Amid the chaos and vandalism at several prisons (such as Sherpur, Narsingdi, Satkhira, and Kashimpur) during those events, at least 98 convicted and undertrial militants and terrorists escaped.

Law enforcement agencies claim that the then-interim government's Law Advisor, Dr. Asif Nazrul, supervised and ensured the bail process, regularly providing updates to Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Furthermore, there are allegations that the same information was sent to three officials at the Pakistan High Commission. On the other hand, another advisor, Mahfuz Alam, reportedly acted as a coordinator during the prison breaks and escapes.

Current Measures and Coordinated Action by Law Enforcement

New cases have been filed under the Penal Code and special laws against the extremists who escaped from prison. To consolidate overall security, law enforcement agencies have currently taken the following steps:

• Special Intelligence Surveillance: The CTTC, RAB, and other intelligence agencies have significantly increased surveillance to prevent bailed and escaped militants from re-engaging in organized extremist activities or carrying out organizational restructuring.

• Nationwide Arrest Drives: Special combing operations are underway across the country to capture the fugitives. Multiple escaped prisoners have already been re-arrested from various areas, including Satkhira.

• Integrated Database and Biometric Tracking: Names, photographs, and biometric data of the fugitives have been compiled and sent to every police station, immigration office, and checkpoint across the country.

• Red Alert at Borders: Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and immigration police have been put on maximum alert to prevent identified terrorists from illegally crossing the border to flee abroad.

• Public Awareness and Hotline: The general public is advised to immediately contact the National Emergency Service (999) or the nearest police station if they notice any bomb-like or suspicious objects.

Author: Dr. Abul Hasnat Milton, Journalist, Political Analyst, and Editor-in-Chief, The Source News Bangla.