Shariatpur, Bangladesh — A bomb explosion in the Zajira upazila has claimed two lives, with the death of 22-year-old Md Nabin Hossain confirmed after he succumbed to injuries at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. His passing underscores the escalating violence linked to ongoing local rivalries in the area.
The blast, which occurred early Thursday morning in Beparikandi village, also severely injured 25-year-old Arman Nayan Molla, who remains in critical condition. Witnesses reported that the explosion destroyed a tin-shed house and propelled its roof into the air. Authorities subsequently discovered bomb-making materials at the scene, raising alarm about the nature of the incident.
Md Faruk, who oversees police operations at the hospital, stated that Nabin passed away around 4:30 p.m. after sustaining significant facial and hand injuries. His remains are currently being held at the morgue as investigators continue their inquiries.
In a related investigation, police found the dismembered body of 32-year-old Sohan Bepari in a nearby crop field, approximately half a kilometer from the explosion site. Officials are probing the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body.
Saleh Ahmed, the Officer-in-Charge of Zajira Police Station, indicated that initial findings suggest the explosion may have occurred during the fabrication of explosive devices. The investigation aims to uncover the events leading to these tragic outcomes.
The blast follows recent violent confrontations in the region, notably clashes on January 4 at Budhairhat Bazar. During those altercations, more than 100 cocktail bombs were reportedly detonated as part of a struggle for local control. Subsequent police action recovered numerous abandoned explosives linked to the conflict.
Residents noted that the house where Thursday’s explosion occurred was recently constructed by Sagar Bepari, contributing to suspicions regarding its use for illicit activities. Following a visit to the scene, Additional Superintendent of Police Tarvir Hossain pointed out bloodstains found on nearby roads, indicating that cocktail bombs were being manufactured amid rising tensions between factions.
Local sources revealed that the violence stems from a long-running feud between the supporters of Union Parishad Chairman Kuddus Bepari and rival leader Jalil Madbar. Previous clashes between their factions have resulted in multiple instances of bomb attacks and law enforcement action.
This volatility is exacerbated by the approaching national elections scheduled for February 12, which are anticipated to be a crucial moment of political transition in Bangladesh. The recent unrest comes in a volatile climate following a significant student-led movement that pressured former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign in August 2024.
As investigators work to piece together the motives and implications of these events, the community remains on edge, grappling with the impact of violence that continues to mar their lives and disrupt local governance.