Dhaka, Nov. 8 -- Police believe a group with malicious intent is behind the recent spate of crude bomb blasts and bus arson attacks across Dhaka.

Responding to reporters at his office on Minto Road on Sunday, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) Akhtar Hossain said the group had orchestrated the violence to spread panic and carry out sabotage.

"Police are closely monitoring and investigating each incident," he said. "Several individuals linked to these attacks have already been arrested."

The officer said the arrestees include members of a banned organisation and its affiliates, and that investigations against them are under way.

Stressing that intelligence surveillance remains active to prevent f...