Suspected Islamist militants launched another deadly attack in Bangladesh on Thursday, using bombs, guns and machetes, on an Eid rally, killing two policemen and a woman. One of the attackers was shot dead by the police.
The incident occurred at 9.45 a.m. near the historic Sholakia Eidgah in eastern Kishoregonj district, some 150 km north of Dhaka, where an estimated 3,00,000 people gathered to offer prayers. The attack was launched just before the prayers were to begin.
A group of three assailants first hurled bombs at a police checkpoint near the gathering. The police responded with gunfire to prevent the attackers from coming close to the congregation. The civilian who died in the attack was identified as Jharna Rani Bhoumik. Additional Superintendent of the Kishoreganj police Abu Sayem confirmed that four persons were killed on the spot. The police arrested two attackers. and recovered a pistol and machetes from the scene. At least 20 people were injured in bomb blasts and gunfire. One of the attackers held has been identified as Abu Mukaddem of northern Dinajpur.
