Police vehicle alert issued as precaution, not based on specific threats: DB

A recent security alert issued to police following a series of bomb scares and the recovery of suspicious objects across the country was not based on any specific intelligence about planned attacks on police vehicles, but was instead a routine "reminder" to strengthen security measures, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Branch chief Mohammad Shafiqul Islam said today (2 August).

Speaking at a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre, the additional commissioner (DB) said, "Alongside ensuring the safety of people's lives and property, we also have to ensure the safety of police personnel. We remain alert at all times. Recently, you have seen several bomb-related incidents and the spread of various rumours. We are actively dealing with those issues, and this reminder was issued to ensure that our own security remains intact."

"Similar instructions have been issued before to ensure the security of all police vehicles and installations. Police have once again been reminded to remain more vigilant," he added. 

"As attempts have recently been made to create incidents involving both true and false information, a precautionary alert has been issued. It is simply a reminder," he said.

Asked whether law enforcement agencies had received any specific intelligence indicating planned attacks on police personnel or vehicles, he replied, "No, there is nothing specific. However, we remain vigilant at all times. Our senior officers supervise us, and those of us working in the field have been reminded to exercise greater caution."

Responding to a question about the umbrella bomb recovered in Motijheel, the DB chief said, "CTTC is investigating the case, while we are carrying out a shadow investigation. We are trying to identify and arrest those involved. The investigation is ongoing, so we cannot comment further at this stage."

Asked whether investigators had identified any organisation behind the incident, he said, "There may be one or two individuals involved. This is not something a lone individual would usually do. Those who carry out such acts generally do so to promote a particular agenda or ideology."

Earlier yesterday (1 August), the Police Headquarters Operations Control Room issued an urgent directive to all field-level units instructing them to strengthen security measures.

The message warned that members of extremist groups or criminals could target police vehicles, including jeeps, pickup trucks and buses. It instructed officers to park vehicles only in secure locations whenever duty vehicles are temporarily halted and to keep them under constant police supervision. 

It also directed units to enhance patrols and surveillance around police stations, police lines and office premises after duty hours, while remaining alert to any suspicious individuals or objects.