Bangladesh: Shariatpur blast death toll rises to two as probe continues

Deadly blast exposes Bangladesh’s simmering local feuds (Representative Image)

The death toll from a bomb explosion in Zajira upazila of Shariatpur rose to two after Md Nabin Hossain, 22, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), according to reports. Another victim, Arman Nayan Molla, 25, remains in critical condition.

The explosion occurred early Thursday inside a tin-shed house in Beparikandi village under Bilashpur Union, destroying the structure and blowing off its roof. Police later recovered materials used to make bombs from the site.

Md Faruk, in-charge of the DMCH police camp, said Nabin died around 4:30 pm as doctors assessed the injured and the damage caused by the blast. A mechanic by profession, Nabin had sustained severe injuries to his face and hands. His body has been kept in the hospital morgue.

In a related incident, police recovered the mutilated body of Sohan Bepari, 32, from a crop field roughly half a kilometre from the explosion site. Authorities are investigating how his body came to be found there.

As inquiries continue, Saleh Ahmed, Officer-in-Charge of Zajira Police Station, said, “Primarily, we believe the explosion occurred while bombs were being made.” He added that investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths and injuries.

The incident follows clashes on January 4 at Budhairhat Bazar, where rival groups allegedly set off more than 100 cocktail bombs during a dispute over local influence. Police later recovered four buckets of unexploded bombs during a subsequent operation.

Local residents said the tin-shed house where Thursday’s blast occurred had been built about two months ago by Sagar Bepari. After visiting the area, Additional Superintendent of Police Tarvir Hossain said bloodstains were found on the road and evidence suggested that cocktail bombs were being prepared amid an ongoing rivalry between supporters of Union Parishad Chairman Kuddus Bepari and rival leader Jalil Madbar.

Police sources said clashes between the two factions have occurred repeatedly, with both sides allegedly using bombs. Earlier explosions in Bilashpur on April 5 and November 2 last year resulted in cases under the Explosives Act against both leaders and their supporters. While Kuddus Bepari was later released on bail, Jalil Madbar remains in custody.

Residents said Sohan Bepari was a supporter of Kuddus Bepari, and that followers of Kuddus, led by Mannan Bepari, and supporters of Jalil, led by Nasir Bepari, continue to vie for dominance in the area.

The developments come as Bangladesh prepares for its next national election, scheduled for February 12, a contest being closely watched following the student-led movement that forced former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to step down in August 2024.