Police warn of possible militant attack plans on key establishments, including parliament

Bangladesh Police has issued an intelligence alert warning of potential attack plans by members of a banned militant group targeting key state and public installations, including the National Parliament, across the country.

The alert was circulated on Thursday (23 April) through an official letter signed by Quamrul Ahsan, deputy inspector general (confidential) at Police Headquarters.

While the official did not respond to The Business Standard's queries, at least three officials from the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit and different law enforcement units confirmed receiving the alert by Friday (24 April).

According to the letter, internal communication from Police Headquarters, recently obtained intelligence suggests that several individuals linked to the outlawed or banned group have been in regular contact and may be planning coordinated attacks on several sensitive locations.

Potential targets include parliament, important police and military installations, places of worship, entertainment venues, and other critical infrastructure.

The letter states that sources have found information about regular contact between two dismissed members of the Bangladesh Army and Istiak Ahmed Sami alias Abu Bakkar, also known as Abu Mohammad -- a recently arrested member of a banned extremist group.

Law enforcement officials said the group may be exploring multiple methods to carry out such attacks, raising concerns over national security.

In response, the Police Headquarters has instructed all relevant units to strengthen security at vulnerable sites, intensify surveillance, and enhance intelligence coordination to prevent any possible attempted attacks.

The alert has been shared with key units, including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Special Branch (SB), and CTTC, along with superintendents of police across all districts.

Officials noted that such alerts are part of routine precautionary measures but reflect the continued need for vigilance against extremist threats.

Police Headquarters did not disclose further operational details, citing security concerns.