Cocktail explodes at Barishal court gate

A cocktail exploded outside the main gate of the Barishal District and Sessions Judge’s Court on Wednesday morning (August 12), triggering panic among lawyers, litigants and visitors. No casualties were reported.

The explosion occurred around 10:30am when an unidentified person allegedly detonated a cocktail-like explosive near the court’s main entrance before fleeing the scene, according to witnesses.

The blast produced a loud bang and a cloud of smoke, prompting police personnel stationed at the gate to rush to the spot. Fragments of the exploded device were recovered from the area.

Police and security officials from the court, Kotwali Model Police Station, the Metropolitan Detective Branch and the Criminal Investigation Department later arrived at the scene and collected evidence.

Court Inspector Tarak Biswas said investigators were yet to determine how the device was brought to the court premises or detonated. CCTV footage from the court compound is being collected and reviewed to identify the person involved.

Court Police Inspector Anwar Hossain said security had been tightened across the court premises and surrounding areas following the incident. Multiple law enforcement units are working to determine the motive and identify those responsible.

No one has been arrested in connection with the incident so far.