A powerful explosion shook Bangladesh's capital Dhaka on Wednesday, intensifying concerns as violence continues across several parts of the country. As per details, the blast took place near the Moghbazar flyover leaving the area in panic and confusion as locals rushed to help the victims.
One killed, several injured
Officials confirmed that one person lost his life in the incident. Several others reportedly sustained injuries of varying degrees and were taken to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment. Emergency teams reached the spot soon after the blast and began rescue operations, they added. The explosion reportedly occurred at a time when the market was crowded. The injured were rushed to the hospital in ambulances, as per reports.
The explosion took place under the flyover near the Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Central Command -- a location that usually sees heavy footfall. According to witnesses, the device was hurled from the top of the flyover and detonated upon hitting the ground. Eyewitnesses added that the perpetrators escaped immediately after throwing the explosive.
Bangladesh unrest
Notably, the incident comes as the situation is already volatile in the country amid the ongoing unrest over the killing of Inqilab Moncho Convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi. Inqilab Moncho has demanded that the killers of Hadi be brought to justice before the 13th national election and the referendum takes place in Bangladesh. Hindu religious bodies and minority rights groups staged a demonstration outside the National Press Club in Dhaka on Monday, condemning the killing and linking it to what they described as a broader pattern of religious extremism, attacks on minorities and a lack of adequate response from authorities
Protests erupt at India-Bangladesh border
On Wednesday, members of a pro-Hindu organisation held demonstrations at several land ports along the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal over the killing of a man belonging to the minority community in the neighbouring country. Scuffles also broke out between police personnel and BJP supporters during a protest in Howrah district.
Trouble started after the police stopped a procession by the saffron party before it could reach Howrah Bridge, triggering heated arguments between protesters and security personnel. "We will not let anyone hamper normal life and cause trouble to commuters in the garb of protest. We will act in accordance with the law to thwart any attempts to create trouble," a senior officer of Howrah Police told PTI.
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