Crude bomb blast reported again in Shariatpur's Zajira, same site where 3 killed earlier this year

A crude bomb explosion took place in Shariatpur's Zajira upazila today (13 June), in the same area where three people were killed while allegedly making crude bombs earlier this year.

The latest blast took place around 12:30pm today in a secluded banana grove in Mulai Beparikandi village under Bilashpur union of the upazila.

No casualties were reported, but the explosion triggered panic among residents.

Zajira Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saleh Ahmed said the latest blast took place in a deserted location and is under investigation.

"A similar explosion occurred in the area about two weeks ago. We are trying to determine how the crude bombs got there and who was responsible for storing it," he said.

Police said efforts are ongoing to identify those involved and take legal action against them.

According to locals, a loud explosion was heard near the house of Sattar Bepari. The blast created a crater in the ground and scorched nearby trees and vegetation.

Residents informed police through the national emergency service hotline 999. Police later visited the scene and collected evidence.

Earlier, on 8 January this year, three people were killed when crude bombs exploded while they were allegedly being made.

The upazila has witnessed a series of similar incidents in recent months. On 31 May, multiple crude bombs exploded near a graveyard in Jankharkandi of Bilashpur.

Earlier, on 29 May, a 10-year-old boy lost his right hand after a crude bomb he found in a crop field exploded in Chardhupur Charkandi area of Zajira.

According to locals, longstanding disputes over local influence have fuelled recurring violence in the area. They allege that crude bombs are still being produced and stored secretly despite repeated incidents.

Locals claim at least 15 crude bomb explosions have occurred across different parts of Zajira in the past six months, leaving residents living in fear.