Bomb scare at two metro stations; bag found with zarda tin and betel leaf

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said on Saturday that no explosives or hazardous materials were found in two suspicious objects recovered from beneath the Mirpur-10 and Farmgate metro rail stations, adding that one of the bags contained only a tin of zarda (chewing tobacco) and betel leaf.

The DMP also urged city dwellers not to panic after two abandoned objects suspected to be bombs were found beneath the Mirpur-10 and Farmgate metro rail stations in the morning.

According to the DMP, local police, senior officers and the Bomb Disposal Unit of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) division rushed to the two locations after receiving the reports and strengthened security measures.

At Mirpur-10 Metro Rail Station, the CTTC Bomb Disposal Unit responded to information that a suspicious bag left beneath the station might contain a bomb. An X-ray scan detected a canister-like object inside the bag. Following standard operating procedures (SOP), the team safely neutralised the bag using a frangible disruptor.

Upon inspection, the bag was found to contain only a container of zarda (chewing tobacco) and betel leaf. No explosives or other dangerous materials were found.

Meanwhile, another abandoned object found beneath Farmgate Metro Rail Station also triggered a bomb scare. The Bomb Disposal Unit secured the area and examined the object through manual inspection, confirming that it contained no explosives or hazardous materials.

The DMP said police remain on high alert to ensure public safety. It also urged citizens not to spread rumours or unverified information that could create panic and requested them to immediately inform police if they notice any suspicious objects.