Two policemen were killed and more than 10 injured as bombs exploded near Sholakia Eidgarh grounds in Kishoreganj just before Eid Prayers.
According to reports 6 policemen are critical. One attacker has also been killed. Those in critical condition have been flown to Dhaka medical College Hospital for treatment, the rest are in Mymensingh Hospital.
“One of our men Md Johirul Islam died after he was admitted to Khishoreganj Zila Hospital, and Ansarullah, later succumbed to his wounds at the Mymensingh Medical College Hospital,” superintend of Police of Kishoreganj Anwar Hossain Khan told media persons.
He said the identity of the alleged miscreant could not be known immediately but one of the suspected terrorists was picked up from the scene.
Police say at least 7 attackers wielding crude bombs and sharp weapons were involved. Around 3 lakh devotees gathering at the traditional Shoalakia Eidgah congregation were trapped amidst the bomb blasts and gunfire triggering panic among the people.
The Congregation prayers were set to be led by respected Muslim scholar and Chairman of Jamat Ulema Farid Uddin Masud who had led the anti-terror fatwa signed by over a lakh Ulemas last month. Bombs exploded even as his helicopter was expected to land at Shoalakia.
Armed police were called and the prayers were held without disruption. Meanwhile, police have cordoned off a 4-km area surrounding Sholakia and have launched a special crack-down in the area.
photo BSS