Dhaka may witness a shift in its crime patterns in the coming weeks ahead of the national election as the intelligence agencies are apprehending a rise in acts of sabotage, arson attacks and politically-driven violence.
In recent weeks, parts of the capital have experienced scattered incidents of crude bomb explosions, arson on vehicles and attempts to spread fear which the law enforcers see as early indicators of pre-election unrest.
Additional Commissioner of DMP’s Detective Branch (DB) Shafiqul Islam said political groups which have been facing restrictions on activities may try to carry out bomb and arson attacks in Dhaka ahead of the polls to create an environment of fear.
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He said the government’s main mandate is to hold a free, fair and acceptable election and attempts may be made to derail or discredit that process.
Intelligence Monitoring Strengthened
The DB chief said several people linked to the recent arson and crude bomb blast incidents have been arrested who have given important clues about ongoing sabotage plans.
“Interrogations have revealed the names of several instigators. They are being brought under the ambit of law,” he added.
To prevent similar attacks, DB has strengthened surveillance through CCTV networks, human intelligence, electronic intelligence and coordinated field operations across the capital.
Social Media Under Watch
With the election approaching fast, law enforcers expect a spike in disinformation, manipulated videos and fabricated content on social media.
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Shafiqul Islam said a 24/7 monitoring committee made up of representatives from Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), National Security Intelligence (NSI) and other agencies is working to detect and address harmful content in real time. Any adverse material is being handled immediately, he said.
Petty Crimes Stable
According to DB, petty crimes such as theft and mugging remain generally under control in Dhaka.
Shafiqul Islam said a few recent killings were linked to internal disputes among underworld groups.
He stressed that these incidents do not reflect the city’s wider homicide trend and intelligence assessments show no major rise in petty crimes.
Another senior official at DMP headquarters preferring not to be named said communal incitement and rumor campaigns may increase before the polls.
He said political rallies may also carry a higher risk of clashes, prompting agencies to increase intelligence deployment before each event.
Why Acts of Sabotage Rise
Intelligence officials say targeted violence often rises before elections as political tension increases.
Arson attacks on busy routes are often planned to cause maximum public fear.
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Crude bombs are also used to create pressure and send political signals without large-scale damage, the DMP official said.
He said sudden confrontations may escalate tensions and disrupt the electoral environment while propaganda campaigns on social media may attempt to mislead voters.
On preparedness, he said law enforcement agencies have already intensified preventive steps.
These include increased patrols on major transport routes, deployment of more plainclothes intelligence officers in politically sensitive zones, active automated systems for cyber monitoring and focused surveillance in trouble-prone areas.
DB officials said enhanced surveillance, quick arrests and coordinated intelligence actions are expected to keep the overall situation under control.
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