Recurring Bomb Explosions Fuel Security Crisis in Bangladeshs Shariatpur District
Photo Collected
A surge in crude bomb explosions has plunged the Bilaspur area of Shariatpur’s Zajira upazila into a state of persistent terror. The volatile situation, characterized by frequent clashes between rival political factions, reached a tragic turning point last Friday when a 10-year-old child named Rahat lost his hand while playing with a discarded explosive found in a field. Two days later, another blast near a graveyard in Jankharkandi village further deepened local anxiety, prompting authorities to open a general diary as investigations into the origins of these weapons continue.
These incidents are the latest in a string of violence linked to a long-standing rivalry between Union Parishad Chairman Kuddus Bepari and defeated candidate Abdul Jalil. Over the past year, the area has seen at least five significant clashes, each involving the use of crude bombs. The deadliest episode occurred on January 8, when three people were killed while allegedly manufacturing explosives at the residence of Chairman Kuddus Bepari’s supporters. Although police filed a case naming 53 individuals—including the chairman and his three brothers—all suspects have since secured bail.
Local residents are increasingly desperate for stability, as police have struggled to make significant progress in these criminal investigations. According to local sources and police reports, at least four cases have been registered in Bilaspur over the last six months, yet none have resulted in the submission of a charge sheet. Inspector Abdus Salam, who is handling the January 8 blast investigation, attributed the delay to pending autopsy reports and ongoing forensic analysis of evidence by the Criminal Investigation Department.
The failure to bring perpetrators to justice has left the community feeling vulnerable. Rahat’s uncle, Chunnu Madbar, expressed deep concern over the unchecked proliferation of explosives, stating that residents remain in constant fear as the source of these bombs remains a mystery.
In response to the deteriorating security environment, district officials have launched several initiatives to regain control. A recent law-and-order committee meeting resulted in plans to install CCTV cameras across key locations in Bilaspur, funded by the local Union Parishad. Furthermore, the district police have proposed the establishment of a permanent police outpost in the area, a request currently under review by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Police Headquarters.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Tanvir Hossain stated that security has been heightened through increased intelligence surveillance and periodic raids. While suspects from previous cases remain under observation, officials maintain that the primary focus is on restoring long-term order through the proposed infrastructure upgrades and sustained police presence.
0%
0%
0%
0%
