An explosion at a madrasa building in South Keraniganj, on the outskirts of Dhaka, has exposed a large cache of liquid chemicals and cocktail-like explosive materials, intensifying concerns about militant activity and law-enforcement oversight under Bangladesh’s interim administration.
The blast occurred at around 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 26, at the Ummal Qura International Madrasa in the Hasnabad area of Keraniganj, injuring at least four people, including women and children. While no fatalities were reported, the scale of materials recovered from the site has alarmed investigators and security analysts.
At a press briefing on Saturday, December 27, Dhaka District Superintendent of Police Md Mizanur Rahman said investigators were examining whether the explosion was caused by a chemical reaction or by the handling of explosive substances.
“Preliminary findings suggest they were handling explosive or explosive-related materials, but it is too early to classify the incident as sabotage,” the police superintendent said, adding that investigators were focusing on the source of the chemicals, possible training activities, and technical evidence.
Large chemical cache recovered
Following the explosion, the Anti-Terrorism Unit and the Criminal Investigation Department’s Crime Scene Unit were deployed, and the site was declared a crime scene. During search operations, police recovered a laptop, two monitors, various liquid chemicals, and four cocktail-like explosive devices. Authorities estimate that nearly 400 litres of liquid chemicals were stored in multiple containers, some of which were labelled “hydrogen peroxide.”
Investigators also found handcuffs, old belts, and other suspicious items. The Fire Service has inspected the site but has not yet submitted a written report, while the full seizure list remains incomplete due to debris from the blast.
Police said the madrasa had been operated since 2022 by Sheikh Alamin and his wife, Asiya. Of the four rooms in the building, two were used for madrasa activities and two as family living quarters. At the time of the explosion, Asiya and their three children were inside the building and were among those injured.
According to investigators, Alamin initially took his family to a local hospital and later transferred them to Dhaka Medical College Hospital before fleeing, leaving them behind. Multiple police teams, including the Dhaka District Detective Branch, have been conducting raids to arrest him.
As part of the investigation, Alamin’s wife Asiya, his elder brother’s wife Yasmin Akhter, and another woman, Asmani Khatun, were taken into custody and later formally arrested.
Police said Alamin has multiple cases filed against him in several districts and was previously arrested in 2017 and 2020. After securing bail in 2023, he reportedly worked as an auto-rickshaw driver and later as an Uber driver. Asmani Khatun, also known as Asma, also faces multiple criminal cases across the country.
Police also said one of the madrasa’s directors, Mufti Harun, who had rented the building, is believed to be currently abroad.
Critics warn of militant blind spots
The discovery has reignited sharp criticism from journalists and rights advocates, who argue that militant networks are being ignored or minimized at a time of political transition.
“It was a militant den disguised as a madrasa. There are many such places, yet the interim government—backed by Islamist groups—chooses to ignore them or deny the reality of militant presence in the country. This is dangerous,” said Nuruzzaman Labu, an investigative reporter with two decades of experience covering crime and militancy, speaking to The Voice.
Human rights lawyer Parvez Hashem echoed the concern, warning of a broader ideological shift.
“Islamic militancy is flourishing, and its political and cultural views are being openly propagated through various programs. Alarmingly, the government itself is promoting this trend,” Hashem told The Voice.
Such warnings resonate with analysts who note that Bangladesh earned international recognition in past years for decisive action against militant groups and for dismantling extremist networks through coordinated intelligence and policing. They caution that any perception of retreat from that approach risks emboldening extremist elements.
Investigation continues amid election concerns
When asked whether the Keraniganj incident could be linked to sabotage plans ahead of the next national election, police said it was too early to draw conclusions but confirmed the matter was being investigated seriously.
Despite the madrasa’s location in a densely populated area near the capital, no deaths were reported. Authorities said most injuries were caused by falling debris rather than burns, though Alamin’s eldest son sustained comparatively more serious injuries.
Police urged residents to report any suspicious activities to law-enforcement agencies, stressing that investigations were ongoing and that further arrests could follow as evidence is analyzed.
As Bangladesh navigates a sensitive political period, the Keraniganj explosion has added to concerns about internal security, law-enforcement vigilance, and the consequences of overlooking militant threats—issues that continue to draw scrutiny at home and abroad.
