CTTC cautions public not to touch suspicious objects
The counter-terrorism unit says objects found at Mirpur-10 and Farmgate metro stations contained no explosives, while investigations into the Motijheel IED continue.
Highlights
- CTTC says Mirpur, Farmgate objects posed no threat
- Mirpur objects identified as discarded tobacco containers
- Farmgate object contained discarded waste and rubbish
- Joint probe into Motijheel IED incident underway
The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has urged all not to touch suspicious objects and to immediately inform law enforcement agencies after bomb-like objects were found at Mirpur-10 and Farmgate metro stations today (1 August).
The unit also urged city residents not to panic or be misled by rumours or misinformation.
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CTTC chief Additional Commissioner Mohammad Shamsul Haque made the call at a briefing at the DMP Media Centre on Mintoo Road this afternoon following the recovery of the suspicious objects.
"Do not be misled by any rumours or misinformation. If you notice any suspicious object or activity, please do not touch it. Maintain a safe distance and immediately inform the nearest police station, the National Emergency Service 999 or law enforcement agencies," he said.
He said law enforcement agencies take legal action against sabotage and other illegal activities through due processes, including arrest, interrogation, investigation and trial.
"The authorities are working with the utmost vigilance and responsibility to prevent such crimes," he added.
Regarding the objects found at Mirpur-10 metro station and Farmgate, Shamsul said CTTC's Bomb Disposal Team immediately reached the sites after receiving the reports and took necessary security measures.
The Bomb Disposal Unit subsequently examined the objects using advanced equipment and confirmed that neither contained explosives.
The objects found at Mirpur-10 were containers for betel leaf, areca nut and zarda, along with other discarded items, he said.
The object found at Farmgate was a sack containing discarded waste and rubbish.
"Therefore, no threat or risk to public safety was found," the CTTC chief said.
He said CTTC had earlier handled the recovery of an explosive-like object beneath the Motijheel metro station with professionalism, expertise and caution to ensure public safety.
Asked whether the IED recovered in Motijheel was connected to the bomb-like objects found in Mirpur and Farmgate, Shamsul Haque said the incidents appeared to be separate.
"No connection has been found so far, but we are continuing the investigation," he said.
Regarding possible involvement of any extremist group, he said it was too early to make a specific comment.
"It would not be appropriate to comment on this until the investigation is complete," he said.
Asked about the latest developments in the Motijheel IED case, Shamsul Haque said police were investigating the incident, while CTTC and the Detective Branch were conducting a joint investigation.
"We will inform the media if any new information comes to light," he said.
On the absence of CCTV footage related to the Motijheel, Mirpur and Farmgate incidents, the CTTC chief said investigators were examining CCTV footage and other aspects of the cases, adding that the investigation would reveal the relevant details.
Asked how many militants who escaped from prisons after 5 August 2024 remain at large, Shamsul Haque said efforts to arrest them were continuing through intelligence monitoring and other mechanisms.
"We certainly have a list, but I do not have the number at this moment," he said.
