Crude bombs explode in front of High Court, Shilpakala Academy

Several crude bombs exploded near the High Court and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka this afternoon (20 September), following similar incidents over the past two days.

A crude bomb exploded on the road in front of the High Court's main gate around 1:15pm today (20 September), confirmed Sheikh Zahidul Islam, deputy commissioner (DC) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Ramna division.

The incident comes five days after a cocktail exploded in front of the Supreme Court on 15 September, following the International Crimes Tribunal's sentencing of seven accused, including former Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader, to death over crimes against humanity committed during the 2024 July Uprising.

Meanwhile, another crude bomb exploded outside the Shilpakala Academy shortly after the blast near the High Court.

DC Zahidul said the explosion occurred between 1:15pm and 1:30pm.

He said police were investigating both incidents and will share details later.

The latest blasts occurred after a series of crude bomb explosions and arson incidents involving buses were reported at several points around the capital over the past few days.

In light of the incidents, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has stepped up security across the city, setting up around 200 checkpoints at different points.

According to a message issued by DMP today (19 September), patrols and surveillance at key locations have been beefed up. Checkposts and picket duties have been intensified, while citywide deployments of station mobile patrols, foot patrols, and motor patrols have been significantly increased.