Three members of a family, including a woman and a child, sustained severe burn injuries in a suspected bomb explosion in Bakerganj Upazila of Barishal on Monday morning.
The incident occurred at around 6:00am in Dudhalmou village under Bharpasha Union, triggering panic among local residents.
The injured were identified as Hanufa Begum, wife of Shah Alam Hawlader, their daughter Iti, and grandson Fahim. They were initially taken to Bakerganj Upazila Health Complex before being referred to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal for advanced treatment.
According to police and local sources, a powerful explosion occurred near a sack filled with sand that had been kept beside Shah Alam Hawlader’s house. The blast left the three victims with serious burn injuries.
Following the explosion, police rushed to the scene, collected evidence and launched an investigation into the incident.
Jamal, son of Shah Alam Hawlader, claimed that a bomb hidden inside the sand-filled sack exploded, setting his mother, sister and nephew on fire.
He said the victims jumped into the nearby Tulatala River in an attempt to extinguish the flames and save themselves. Local residents later rescued them and rushed them to hospital.
Jamal also claimed that the family had no idea how the suspected explosive device ended up inside the sack.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) Adil Hossain of Bakerganj Police Station said the incident was being investigated with utmost importance.
“We are thoroughly investigating the incident. It will only be possible to confirm the type of explosive used and identify those responsible after the investigation is completed,” he said.
The OC added that efforts were underway to determine the cause of the explosion and identify anyone involved.
