3 cocktail explosions in quick succession spark panic in Gaibandha

Three cocktail explosions occurred in a span of four minutes in Sundarganj, Gaibandha, in the early hours of Sunday, September 20. Although no one was hurt, the loud sounds spread panic among locals. Police recovered the shells of the cocktails from the scene.

The incidents took place in the Gopalcharan area of Ward No. 3 of Sundarganj municipality.

Police and locals said the first explosion occurred in front of the residence of former upazila parishad vice-chairman Abu Solaiman Sarkar Saja at 4:26am. Two minutes later, at 4:28am, a second explosion occurred in front of Gopalcharan High School. Then at 4:30am, a third explosion occurred on the road on the south side of the school.

Locals claimed 'Joy Bangla' slogans were heard during the explosions. Residents came out of their homes after the three loud sounds in succession. However, no one was hurt in the explosions. No major damage was reported either.

Former upazila parishad vice-chairman Abu Solaiman Sarkar Saja said there was a loud sound in front of his house before Fajr. A while later, two more explosion sounds were heard in front of the school and then on the road on the south side of the school. They became panicked by the three sounds in succession. Later, when police were informed, they went to the scene and recovered the cocktail shells.

Sundarganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shahin Mohammad Amanullah said police were sent to the scene after receiving the information. However, no one could be arrested. Bomb-like cocktail shells were recovered from the scene. It is being investigated why these explosions occurred and who is involved. Those involved will be identified and legal action taken.

Locals said concern and panic have been created in the area over the three consecutive explosions. They said such incidents have created fear among ordinary people about their safety. They demanded that those involved in the incident be identified quickly and brought under the law.