Hand bomb explodes in abandoned house in Madaripur

A hand bomb exploded inside an abandoned tin-shed house in Madaripur Sadar upazila on Wednesday evening (August 26), damaging a large section of the structure and triggering panic among local residents.

The explosion occurred around 7:30pm in the South Jhikrahati area of Ghatmajhi Union. No injuries were reported.

Residents said they heard a loud blast coming from the abandoned house and later found smoke and a strong smell of burning at the scene. Police from Madaripur Sadar Model Police Station subsequently visited the site.

According to police and local sources, the tin-shed structure belongs to Aminul Islam Khan, a resident of South Jhikrahati who has been living in Khulna for about seven years. The house had reportedly remained unused for a long time.

Police are investigating whether the explosive had been placed there to carry out sabotage or as part of an attempt to establish local dominance.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Fariha Rafiq Bhavna said the blast significantly damaged the abandoned structure. Police were working to identify those responsible after contacting the property owner, she said.

“Legal action will be taken once those involved are identified,” she said.

Police patrols in the area have been increased following the explosion as authorities investigate whether it was linked to a planned act of sabotage or a local dispute.