MADARIPUR— A bomb explosion at the residence of a mosque imam in Madaripur district has heightened concern among local residents after two similar incidents were reported in the area over the past 17 days.
The latest blast occurred on Tuesday afternoon in a room adjacent to the Al-Aqsa Akon Bari Jame Mosque in the Hogolpatia area of Jhaudi Union, Madaripur Sadar upazila, police and local residents said.
The explosion damaged parts of the room’s corrugated-tin fencing. No one was injured.
Police arrived at the scene after receiving reports of the blast and collected evidence believed to be related to the explosion. Four people were detained for questioning as part of the investigation.
The mosque’s imam, Akash Howladar, has been in Dhaka for the past five days receiving medical treatment and was not at the mosque when the explosion occurred, according to police and local sources.
The keys to the imam’s room were reportedly held by mosque muezzin Md Alauddin Olil Akon and three members of the mosque committee.
Madaripur Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Sadar Circle) Fariha Rafiq Bhabna said the explosion occurred on the veranda of the imam’s room. Police recovered bomb-related evidence from the scene and opened an investigation.
Madaripur Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abul Kalam Azad said the blast damaged the room’s tin fencing but caused no casualties. Police are investigating the cause of the explosion and working to identify those responsible.
Three Explosions in 17 Days
The latest incident is the third explosion reported in Madaripur within 17 days.
On Aug. 26, a hand bomb exploded inside an abandoned house in the South Jhikrahati area of Ghatmaji Union in Madaripur Sadar upazila, according to local authorities.
Earlier, on Aug. 15, a cocktail exploded at a women’s madrasan in the Kalikini municipal area, injuring five child students.
The incidents have occurred at three different locations — a religious institution, an abandoned house and a mosque-related residence — raising concern among residents about public safety.
Some local residents have urged authorities to investigate whether the incidents could be linked to extremist activity.
Police said, however, that it is too early to establish any connection between the blasts. Investigators are examining whether the incidents were related to local disputes, attempts to assert dominance or other social conflicts.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and that further details will be released as more evidence becomes available.
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