Pressure Cooker-Like Bomb Found: Bahrain-Returnee Detained, AP Assists Investigation

Police have detained a passenger who recently returned from Bahrain following the recovery of a pressure cooker-like bomb at a bus terminal in the capital. The suspect has been taken into custody for questioning, officials confirmed, as the investigation continued through Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

Incident Details

According to police sources, locals spotted a suspicious pressure cooker in the parking area of a bus terminal around 11:00 PM on Wednesday. Upon receiving the alert, police bomb disposal units arrived at the scene and identified the object as a pressure cooker-like bomb. The area was cordoned off, and a massive search operation was launched.

Around 12:45 AM, authorities identified and detained a passenger believed to be connected to the incident. Preliminary reports indicate the individual had recently returned to Bangladesh from Bahrain. A police source stated that additional evidence was seized during a search of the detainee's residence.

International Assistance

The Associated Press (AP) has been assisting with the investigation since the incident. An AP delegation visited the scene around 3:00 AM on Thursday and exchanged detailed information with police. The international news agency's specialist team is reportedly providing technical analysis regarding the bomb's composition and origin.

A senior police official said, "We are verifying the travel history and recent contact lists of the Bahrain-returnee passenger. With AP's assistance, we are examining whether there are any links to international terrorist networks."

Heightened Security

Following the incident, security has been intensified at all bus terminals, railway stations, and the airport across the capital. Authorities have urged the public to immediately report any suspicious objects to police, alongside increased baggage and cargo inspections.

Police have stated that they will seek a remand order to continue interrogating the detained passenger. A detailed report on the bomb's explosive capacity and type will be released after it is safely defused. The identity of the detainee has not been disclosed at this stage to protect the integrity of the investigation.