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Published : 19 Jun 2026, 12:32 AM
Several crude bombs have exploded near Dhaka's Mohakhali Bus Terminal on Thursday, thrown during a brief protest march demanding action against former chief advisor Muhammad Yunus and former health advisor Nurjahan Begum due to child deaths from measles and compensation for the affected families, police say.
The incident occurred around 9:30am in Dhaka’s Mohakhali. Tejgaon Industrial Police under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) detained three people, including a woman, in connection with the explosions.
The detainees were identified as Mizanur Rahman Hawlader, 40, Shamim Ara Baby, 50, and Shamim Hossain, 48.
Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, chief of Tejgaon Industrial Area Police Station, said three to four improvised explosive devices, locally known as “cocktail bombs”, were detonated.
"Three to four explosions occurred around 9:15am. Three people have been detained," he said.
When asked who was responsible for the blasts, Rahman said preliminary information suggested that supporters of the Awami League and its affiliates may have been involved. He said the matter was under investigation.
Traffic police officers stationed at the scene said a group of about 10 to 15 people gathered under the banner of "Progotishil Nagorik Shomaj" (Progressive Civil Society). Some participants were carrying placards bearing the name of a banned organisation, according to police.
The group was preparing to hold a human chain protest, demanding the prosecution of former chief advisor Yunus and former health advisor Nurjahan over what they described as preventable deaths of children from measles, and seeking compensation for the victims' families.
Police officers said protesters chanted slogans, including "Joy Bangla" and "Sheikh Hasina's supporters are not afraid and have not left the streets." Banners and festoons displayed photographs of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
According to police, several crude bombs were detonated as the participants were leaving the area after the demonstration.
Abdullah Al Imran, additional deputy commissioner of DMP’s Tejgaon Industrial Area Division, said investigators were questioning the detainees.
"We had no prior information about any programme organised by any specific political party. The banners carried different messages, referring to measles vaccinations and child deaths, as well as the former chief advisor and former health advisor," Imran said. "We are investigating the matter."
