Bomb-like object, gunpowder recovered from Lalon shrine during festival
A special police team from Dhaka neutralised the materials this morning.
Police recovered a bomb-like object, gunpowder, petrol and an electronic circuit from the courtyard of Fakir Lalon Shah's Akhrabari in Kumarkhali, Kushtia, early today (19 October) amid a three-day festival marking the mystic saint's 136th death anniversary.
A special police team from Dhaka neutralised the materials this morning.
The items were found around 1:30am inside a white bag at the base of a coconut tree, about 10 feet from the police box at the entrance to the Akhrabari. The discovery sparked panic in the area.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Kumarkhali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Jamal Uddin confirmed the recovery around 9am. He said the bag contained a petrol bomb-like object, two containers of gunpowder, two litres of petrol and an electronic circuit.
Police suspect the items may have been placed there to create panic during the festival. However, the people responsible and their motive have not been established. Legal proceedings are underway, police said.
Kushtia Additional Superintendent of Police Faisal Mahmud said a bomb disposal team had arrived and deactivated the improvised explosive device (IED). The situation was normal, he added.
The three-day festival, organised by the Lalon Academy with support from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the district administration, features discussions, cultural programmes and a rural fair.
Bauls, devotees and followers of Lalon have gathered at the shrine from across the country.
Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury inaugurated the festival on Saturday afternoon (17 October). Yesterday was the second day of the event. Although the "Sadhusangha" concluded at noon with "Punyaseba", devotees continued to gather at the venue.
Multi-layered security measures, including CCTV cameras, had been put in place for the festival. Security was further tightened following the recovery.
The festival will conclude today with a discussion meeting in the evening, followed by overnight performances of Lalon songs. Power, Energy and Mineral Resources State Minister Aninda Islam Amit is scheduled to attend the closing ceremony as chief guest.
