Dhaka – At least four people, including two policemen, were killed and 10-15 others injured in bomb explosions followed by a volley of gunfire near the country’s largest Eid congregation at Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj Sadar upazila on Thursday morning.
The deceased police personnel were identified as constables Johirul and Ansarullah, said superintendent of Kishoreganj police Anwar Hossain Khan.
Among the two other deceased, one was identified as Jharna Rani Bhowmik, a resident of Sholakia, while the identity of the other deceased could not be ascertained immediately.
Deputy Inspector General (Dhaka Range) of Police SM Mahfuzul Haque Nuruzzaman said the woman was killed as the attackers on the run fired at her while the other deceased was from one of the attackers.
The injured were taken to Kishoreganj Sadar hospital from where some critically injured ones were later shifted to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.
Police informed that they have already arrested two of the attackers, one of them with bullet injuries, and recovered three 9 mm pistols and some sharp weapons during a drive in the surrounding locality immediately after the explosion.
According to police, at least six persons were involved in the attack. Drive is on to arrest the remaining attackers. Further details will be given later.
Witnesses said the attackers exploded some crude bombs near Ajimuddin High School adjacent to Sholakia Eidgah no sooner had a helicopter carrying Mawlana Farid Uddin Masud landed at nearby Kishoreganj Stadium around 9:15am.
After exploding the bombs, some of the attackers rushed towards the Stadium area in their bid to escape and opened fire.
Simultaneously, sounds of a volley of gunfire was heard near the spot of the first explosion.
Despite the incident, the Eid prayer was offered at Sholakia Eidgah.
The prayer was led by Mawlana Shoeb instead of Mawlana Farid Uddin Masud given the circumstances.
