Dhaka: Police Headquarters (PHQ) instructed its top officials at district level as well as different unit chiefs to remain alert by intensifying security measures  across Bangladesh, in light of recent activities of suspected militants.

A senior police official said the head office usually issues alert notifications to its field level top officials when security concerns heighten.

After a slew of incidents including the attempted suicidal attack in Ashkona, discovery of a militant den in South Shurma of Sylhet and a bomb explosion near Airport police checkpost occurred one after another within eight days since March 17, the PHQ issued a fresh alert notice for its field officials to remain on highest alert on Saturday, said the police official preferring anonymity.

Contacted, Assistant Inspector General (Confidential) of the PHQ Moniruzzaman told news agency UNB that SPs of district level were alerted on Sunday following the recent incidents.

The PHQ instructed the SPs to increase security and vigilance to avert any further untoward incident.  Besides, they were also asked to take prompt steps so that people do not panic, he said.

One suspected militant was killed when the bomb he was carrying reportedly exploded inside the forces barrack of Rab headquarters at Ashkona, adjacent to the Hajj Camp on March 17, while another person was killed when the bombs reportedly carried by himself, were detonated near  Airport police outpost on Airport Road, some 150 yards off from the previous spot, last Friday.

 Besides, six people including two cops, were killed and 40 others were injured when  two powerful bombs went off at separate places near the militant den of South Shurma on Saturday evening. Combined operation led by para commando of Bangladesh Army continued for a third straight day on Sunday.