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Dhaka Attack (2017) Plot Summary & Timeline

Dhaka Attack (2017) movie poster

Dhaka Attack is a 2017 adventure and thriller film directed by Dipankar Dipon, running 2 hours 27 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 612 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 14 key events in order, 4 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Dhaka Attack.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
14
characters profiled
4
themes explained
3
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Dhaka Attack (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 27m
Director
Dipankar Dipon
Original language
Bengali
No spoilers

What Is Dhaka Attack About?

The premise of Dhaka Attack in 283 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

The sprawling capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, becomes the unlikely stage for a crisis that threatens to unravel its everyday rhythm. A stealthy criminal network has set its sights on the city, weaving a pattern of calculated strikes designed to sow fear and disruption. Beneath the familiar hum of traffic and crowded markets, an invisible threat tightens its hold, and the city’s fragile sense of normalcy begins to give way.

To confront this mounting danger, an elite police force is assembled, bringing together specialized operatives whose training is built for moments most others would never dare face. They move with a quiet, deliberate intensity, aware that their mission is as much about outmaneuvering an unseen adversary as it is about any single confrontation. The risks are immense, the margin for error razor-thin, and the clock is already ticking.

Among those drawn into the chaos is a determined crime journalist, whose relentless pursuit of the truth pulls her into the dangerous orbit of the unfolding crisis. Her uneasy alliance with the police adds another layer of tension, as information becomes currency and every lead must be handled with care. The lines between collaborator and target blur, and the stakes only grow higher with each passing hour.

What follows is a tense, high-wire confrontation — a desperate gamble against a ruthless mastermind who has turned the city itself into a battlefield. With the safety of millions resting on their shoulders, the officers must outthink, outmaneuver, and outlast an enemy who thrives on misdirection. The operation demands not just tactical brilliance but also the courage to step into the unknown, where resolve and unity may be the only things that can pull Dhaka back from the shadow.

Full plot

What Happens in Dhaka Attack?

The complete story of Dhaka Attack, from the first scene to the last, in 612 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

The narrative opens in a remote and desolate desert region, where a secretive and shady transaction takes place between two mysterious individuals, setting an ominous tone for the events to follow. The scene then abruptly shifts to the bustling city of Dhaka, where a terrifying crime occurs under the cover of darkness. A group of heavily armed hooligans launches a violent assault on a chemical factory, ruthlessly murdering the security guards on duty to steal a supply of highly dangerous chemicals. This brazen heist puts the local police force on high alert, as the potential for misuse of these substances is immense.

By the following day, the stolen chemicals are weaponized to create an incredibly powerful explosive device. In a heartbreaking act of terror, the bomb is detonated directly in front of a school just moments before a school bus arrives, resulting in the tragic deaths of many small children. This senseless act of violence plunges the entire city of Dhaka into a state of absolute panic and mourning.

As the investigation unfolds, the police make a chilling discovery: the original criminals who raided the chemical factory have themselves been murdered. The new killer has left behind a disturbing and cryptic signature—a smiley face drawn directly onto the dead bodies. This gruesome detail quickly becomes a media sensation, with every major newspaper running the headline “Smiley on the Corpse’s Body,” further spreading fear and paranoia throughout the population.

In response to the escalating crisis, the government deploys the Bomb Disposal Unit and the SWAT Bangladesh team. However, the mastermind behind the chaos is far from a typical criminal; he is a strategist who begins playing a psychological game with the authorities. He floods the police emergency helplines with hundreds of fake bomb threats, deliberately misguiding the officers and forcing them to waste precious time and resources racing to false locations.

During the investigation, the police manage to trace a vehicle that was utilized during the school bombing. A high-stakes chase leads them to the car thief, which eventually reveals a larger hideout containing critical clues. It becomes evident that they are not dealing with a standard terrorist, but rather a psychopath who views the city as his personal playground.

Through an international collaboration with the Malaysian police, the authorities finally uncover the identity of the antagonist: Jisan, also known as Azimul Karim Jisan. Jisan is described as a drug-addicted psycho killer and a prominent figure in the Malaysian underground. After a previous violent encounter with Malaysian law enforcement, he escaped and fled to Bangladesh. His goal was to reunite with his uncle, Sajedul Karim, and establish a new criminal empire to dominate the international mafia.

Throughout the chaos, a determined crime journalist, Chaity, closely monitors the police movements. Utilizing her own extensive network and insider information regarding the criminal underworld, she provides the police with vital intelligence that aids their pursuit. As the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, the authorities realize that Jisan’s actions are not merely the whims of a madman, but are part of a sinister geopolitical plot. Certain foreign intelligence agencies are working behind the scenes to destabilize Bangladesh and dismantle its national defense layers.

The climax reaches a fever pitch as the Bomb Disposal Unit, the Detective Branch (DB), and SWAT Bangladesh launch a coordinated final operation. They track down and raid the secret den of Jisan within the city of Dhaka. In a tense environment filled with live explosives, the teams work frantically to defuse the bombs. The operation culminates in a massive, violent shootout, where the forces of law and order finally manage to bring down the man responsible for the devastating Dhaka Attack.

Timeline

Dhaka Attack Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

14 key events in the order they happen, from “A Shady Deal in the Desert” to “Final Raid on Jisan's Secret Den”. 12 events name a place, across 6 locations.

  1. 1

    A Shady Deal in the Desert

    The story opens in a remote desert area where two individuals carry out a mysterious and shady deal. The secretive exchange hints at the darkness to come, and the scene abruptly shifts toward the city of Dhaka, setting the stage for the unfolding terror.

    Where:Remote desert area

  2. 2

    Night Raid on the Chemical Factory

    A group of armed hooligans launches a violent nighttime assault on a chemical factory in Dhaka. They kill the factory guards and steal a stockpile of highly dangerous chemicals, prompting the police to be put on immediate high alert.

    When:Night Where:Chemical factory, Dhaka

  3. 3

    Bomb Explosion in Front of the School

    The stolen chemicals are used the next day to assemble a powerful bomb. It detonates in front of a school just before a school bus arrives, killing many small children and plunging the entire city into panic.

    When:The next day Where:School, Dhaka

  4. 4

    A Smiley Face on the Corpses

    During the investigation, police discover that the killers behind the chemical factory attack have themselves been murdered by an unknown hand. The new killer has left a chilling clue behind — a smiley face drawn on the dead bodies.

    Where:Dhaka

  5. 5

    'Smiley on the Corpse's Body' Hits the Headlines

    The shocking story explodes across the media as every newspaper runs the headline 'Smiley on the Corpse's Body'. Fear spreads rapidly through Dhaka as citizens realize a dangerous psycho killer is loose in the city.

    When:The next morning Where:Dhaka

  6. 6

    Elite Units Called Into Action

    The police's Bomb Disposal Unit and the SWAT (Bangladesh) team are mobilized to confront the escalating crisis. The elite units begin coordinating their efforts to hunt down the mastermind responsible for the attacks.

    Where:Dhaka

  7. 7

    Hundreds of Fake Bomb Threats

    The mastermind floods the police emergency helpline with hundreds of fake bomb-threat calls designed to misguide investigators. The police are forced to rush to false locations again and again, wasting precious time while the real threat remains hidden.

    Where:Dhaka

  8. 8

    Trailing the Bomber's Car

    Investigators successfully trace the car that was used in the school bombing. Chasing the car thief leads them to a much bigger hideout, where the police uncover additional clues pointing to a wider criminal network.

    Where:Dhaka

  9. 9

    The Killer Is Playing a Game

    The clues recovered from the hideout lead the police to a chilling realization — this is no ordinary terrorist. The killer is deliberately playing a mind game with law enforcement, taunting them at every step of the investigation.

  10. 10

    The Mastermind Is Identified

    With the crucial help of the Malaysian police, investigators finally identify the mastermind as Azimul Karim Jisan. He is a drug-addicted psycho killer and a top criminal of the Malaysian underground, operating a new empire from Dhaka.

Show the other 4 events of Dhaka Attack
  1. 11

    Jisan's Escape and New Empire

    The investigation reveals Jisan's violent past — he was once attacked by the Malaysian police but narrowly escaped. He fled to Bangladesh to meet his uncle and set up a new empire with ambitions of ruling the international mafia.

    Where:Bangladesh

  2. 12

    The Crime Journalist Steps In

    A determined crime journalist keeps closely following the police throughout the investigation. She possesses extra information about the criminal circle and shares it with them, becoming a valuable ally in connecting the dots.

    Where:Dhaka

  3. 13

    A Foreign Conspiracy Uncovered

    The police discover that the attacks are part of a much larger and darker plot. Foreign intelligence agencies are working to destabilize Bangladesh and destroy its defence layers, with the killer serving as their instrument of chaos.

    Where:Bangladesh

  4. 14

    Final Raid on Jisan's Secret Den

    In the climactic operation, the Bomb Disposal Unit, DB, and SWAT Bangladesh join forces in a coordinated strike. They raid Jisan's secret den in Dhaka, defuse live bombs, and engage in a massive shootout, finally bringing down the man behind the Dhaka Attack.

    Where:Jisan's secret den, Dhaka

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Dhaka Attack?

4 characters, among them Abid Rahman, Jisan and Chaity: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • AR

    Abid Rahman

    Played by Arifin Shuvo

    Abid Rahman is a dedicated police officer determined to uncover the truth behind the horrific events in Dhaka. His tenacity and moral compass guide his actions throughout the investigation, even when faced with overwhelming challenges.

    • 👮‍♂️ Police
    • 🕵️‍♂️ Investigator
  • J

    Jisan

    Played by Taskeen Rahman

    Jisan, also known as Azimul Karim Jisan, is the film's chilling antagonist—a drug-addicted psychopath who orchestrates terror in Dhaka. His strategic mind and violent tendencies make him a formidable foe for law enforcement, as he seeks to establish his criminal empire.

    • 😈 Villain
    • 🔪 Terrorist
  • C

    Chaity

    Played by Mahiya Mahi

    Chaity is a resourceful crime journalist who plays a crucial role in the investigation by providing the police with valuable insights. Her deep understanding of the criminal underworld highlights her bravery and commitment to exposing the truth.

    • 📰 Journalist
    • 💪 Courage
  • SK

    Sajedul Karim

    Played by Shatabdi Wadud

    Sajedul Karim is a key figure in the narrative, known as Jisan's uncle and a player in the criminal underworld. His connections and planning add layers to the unfolding chaos, depicting the intricacies of crime in Dhaka.

    • 👨‍👦 Family
    • 🕴️ Criminal
Setting

Where and When Is Dhaka Attack Set?

Dhaka Attack is set in Dhaka and remote desert region. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The events of the movie are contemporary, reflecting modern-day challenges such as crime, terrorism, and psychological warfare. The narrative dives into current global issues, showcasing the complexities faced by law enforcement in today's society.

Where

Dhaka, remote desert region

The movie takes place in Dhaka, a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture and urban chaos. The narrative begins in a desolate desert region, which serves as a stark contrast to the crowded city life and highlights the gravity of the criminal activities that unfold in Dhaka.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🏜️ Desert
Themes

What Are the Themes of Dhaka Attack?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Justice, Tragedy and Psychological Warfare.

  1. 01

    Justice

    The film grapples with the theme of justice as the police and government agents strive to combat a formidable criminal mastermind. The actions of the authorities portray the ongoing battle against crime in a chaotic world, highlighting the limits of traditional law enforcement.

  2. 02

    Tragedy

    A significant theme of tragedy looms over the film, particularly manifested in the heartbreaking school bombing that claims innocent lives. This aspect of the story underscores the collateral damage of crime and terrorism, evoking a powerful emotional response from the audience.

  3. 03

    Psychological Warfare

    The antagonist employs psychological tactics that create fear and confusion among the authorities and the public. This theme explores the strategic aspect of crime, where conventional policing methods are challenged by cunning criminals who manipulate situations for their gain.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Dhaka Attack?

Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Tense
Pacing
Fast
Story
Moderate
Intensity
High
Ending
Mixed

A relentless action thriller that drops you into a high-stakes cat and mouse game with a terrorist mastermind terrorizing Dhaka, balancing intense police operations with the heavy weight of tragic civilian casualties.

  • tense
  • anxious
  • gritty
  • urgent
  • suspenseful
  • dark
  • terrorism
  • crime investigation
  • bomb threats
  • geopolitical conspiracy

Content notes: child endangerment, mass casualty, terrorism, graphic violence, murder, bomb threats.

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FAQ

Dhaka Attack Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Dhaka Attack, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Dhaka Attack about?

The sprawling capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, becomes the unlikely stage for a crisis that threatens to unravel its everyday rhythm. A stealthy criminal network has set its sights on the city, weaving a pattern of calculated strikes designed to sow fear and disruption.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Dhaka Attack take place?

Dhaka Attack is set in Dhaka and remote desert region. The events of the movie are contemporary, reflecting modern-day challenges such as crime, terrorism, and psychological warfare.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Dhaka Attack?

The story follows Abid Rahman (played by Arifin Shuvo), Jisan (played by Taskeen Rahman), Chaity (played by Mahiya Mahi) and Sajedul Karim (played by Shatabdi Wadud).

All the characters

What are the main themes of Dhaka Attack?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Justice, Tragedy and Psychological Warfare.

The themes explained

Who directed Dhaka Attack?

Dhaka Attack (2017) was directed by Dipankar Dipon and runs 2 hours 27 minutes.

Dipankar Dipon’s films

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