Bomb scare at two metro stations after suspicious bag found with zarda tin, betel leaf

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

The DMP urged residents not to panic after the two unattended objects, initially suspected to be bombs, were discovered beneath the metro stations earlier in the day.

According to the police, local officers, senior DMP officials and the Bomb Disposal Unit of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) division quickly responded to the reports and tightened security at both locations.

At Mirpur-10 Metro Rail Station, the CTTC Bomb Disposal Unit examined a suspicious bag believed to contain an explosive device. An X-ray scan revealed a canister-like object inside. Following standard operating procedures (SOP), the team safely neutralised the bag using a frangible disruptor.

A subsequent inspection found that the bag contained only a tin of zarda and betel leaf, with no explosives or other dangerous materials.

At Farmgate Metro Rail Station, another abandoned object also prompted a bomb scare. The Bomb Disposal Unit cordoned off the area and conducted a manual inspection, confirming that the object posed no threat and contained no explosives or hazardous substances.

The DMP said police remain on high alert to ensure public safety and appealed to citizens not to spread rumours or unverified information that could trigger unnecessary panic. It also requested the public to immediately notify law enforcement if they come across any suspicious objects.