The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has recovered various cocktail-making materials and 9,000 paper masks during a drive in South Keraniganj in the capital. A Juba League leader named Jahid Hasan Imon (30) was arrested in connection with the incident, police said.
DMP Joint Commissioner (Crime Prevention-South) Md. Tofael Ahmed Miah disclosed these details at a press conference organized at the DMP Media Center on Minto Road in the capital on Friday (September 25) afternoon.
According to the DMP, a crude bomb (cocktail) explosion occurred in front of Jatrabari Police Station on September 19. During the investigation into the incident, police teams from relevant stations under the Wari Division, including Jatrabari and Shyampur, initiated a coordinated operation. At one stage of the investigation, information and evidence were obtained regarding the involvement of Jahid Hasan Imon.
Consequently, Shyampur Model Police Station conducted a raid in the Bagashur area under South Keraniganj Police Station during the early hours of Friday, with assistance from South Keraniganj Police Station. Jahid Hasan Imon was arrested from the scene.
According to police statements, based on information provided by Imon, various materials used for manufacturing cocktails—including caustic soda, sulfur, marbles, wire nails, and red and black adhesive tape—were recovered. Additionally, 9,000 paper masks stored in three cartons, 30 packets of elastic bands for wearing the masks, a blender, and a jar were seized.
DMP Joint Commissioner Md. Tofael Ahmed Miah stated that during interrogation, Imon informed police that the masks were sent to him through an unidentified van driver via a leader from Lalbagh. They were subsequently stored at his residence for distribution among various leaders and activists.
Police claimed that there were plans to use these masks during demonstrations organized at different times by the banned Awami League. Police also noted that the masks were molded in human face shapes, likely intended for concealing identities.
The DMP added that two separate cases are pending against Jahid Hasan Imon at Shahbagh and Lalbagh police stations. Investigations are ongoing regarding the recovered items and his involvement in the cocktail explosion in front of Jatrabari Police Station.
