Threat Against Chinese Embassy in Dhaka Prompts Security Review
Bangladesh authorities reinforce security at the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka following an emailed threat, while CTTC and detective branches investigate potential online fraud links
A threat to attack the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka was sent to the embassy's email address on the night of August 19. The email was sent in the name of an extremist organisation. Multiple sources have confirmed the matter. This is believed to be the first such threat against the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh's history.
Following the threat, the authorities moved quickly. Police held a special meeting to review the security situation. The meeting took place on August 20 at the Chinese Embassy in Baridhara. The Police Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit participated. Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen and CTTC Joint Commissioner Munshi Shahabuddin held discussions.
Also present at the meeting were ADC Mahmud from the LIC branch of Police Headquarters, along with 8–10 Chinese officials. They expressed deep concern and dissatisfaction with the embassy's security. Taking the email seriously, decisions were made to strengthen security.
CTTC official Munshi Shahabuddin informed journalists about the matter. He said, "Upon receiving the news, we held a meeting. Efforts are underway to determine who sent the email. Work to identify those behind the threat is ongoing. However, it could also be a scam email." He further stated that police in the diplomatic zone are overseeing the embassy's overall security.
On Sunday (August 23), DB Chief Mohammad Shafiqul Islam provided new information. He said such emails were sent not only to the Chinese Embassy but also to several other offices. The emails demanded money. This may have been done to damage the government's image. Several individuals were taken into custody based on the bKash number provided in the email. However, upon detailed investigation, they were found not to be involved. Police believe this to be the work of a fraudulent online group.
Although the threat appears to be a hoax, Bangladesh's history of attacks is concerning. Previously, in 2004, during the BNP government, a grenade attack was carried out on then-British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury. In 2018, the motorcade of then-US Ambassador Marsha Bernicat was attacked. In 2016, the militant attack at Gulshan's Holey Artisan Bakery claimed the lives of 17 foreigners. Additionally, the killing of Julhas Mannan in an Al-Qaeda attack also took place.
Recently, extremist activities have once again come into focus in the country. About two weeks ago, it was reported that Al-Qaeda and ISIS-linked books were being sold openly in Dhaka. Since the tenure of the outgoing Yunus government, shrine vandalism and mob violence had begun. The current government is led by the BNP under Tareq Rahman. Yet attacks on shrines and Sufis are still ongoing.
Meanwhile, bomb-like objects have been recovered from various locations across the country. A member of JMB was arrested in Demra. JMB had publicly and brutally killed pro-China communists between 2001 and 2006. Given the current political reality, concerned officials believe there is no room to take the threat to the Chinese Embassy lightly.
