Dhaka, Apr 25 (V7N) — The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has significantly increased security measures across the capital following an intelligence warning from Police Headquarters regarding potential sabotage by banned extremist organizations. During a press briefing at the DMP Media Center on Saturday morning, Munshi Sahabuddin, Joint Commissioner of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, urged the public to remain calm, stating that law enforcement agencies are actively monitoring the situation. While security has been heightened at key locations, Sahabuddin emphasized that there is no need for panic as surveillance and preventive operations are already in progress.

The security alert follows reports of regular communication between a recently arrested extremist, Istiak Ahmed Sami (also known as Abu Bakkar), and two dismissed members of a security force. Intelligence suggests that these individuals may be planning coordinated attacks on high-profile targets, including the National Parliament Building, law enforcement facilities, religious sites, and crowded public areas such as Shahbagh. Authorities have warned of various potential methods, ranging from bomb explosions to attacks using firearms or sharp weapons. There are also concerns regarding potential attempts to breach arsenals belonging to various security forces, leading to a nationwide directive for all police units to maintain a state of high alert.

In addition to the counter-terrorism updates, the CTTC Joint Commissioner addressed a separate criminal investigation involving the leaking of SSC examination questions. He revealed that a fraudulent gang had been extorting large sums of money from the public by promising leaked papers; however, forensic analysis confirmed that the "leaked" documents bore no resemblance to the actual exam questions. Four individuals have been arrested from various parts of the country in connection with this scam, which exploited the anxieties of students and parents during the ongoing examination season.

Despite the mention of dismissed force members in the intelligence report, Sahabuddin clarified that there is currently no specific information confirming their direct involvement in a concrete plot. Nevertheless, the Police Headquarters has instructed Range DIGs, Metropolitan Commissioners, and District Superintendents to fortify security at all important national installations (KPIs). The relevant authorities have been mandated to increase intelligence gathering and take immediate legal action against any suspicious individuals to ensure the overall safety and stability of the country.

END/SMA/AJ