A series of alarming hand bomb explosions has rocked Cumilla city, leaving a temple priest and two muśollīs injured. The coordinated attacks, which occurred on Saturday evening, targeted both a Hindu place of worship and a nearby mosque, sparking fears of a calculated attempt to incite communal instability in the post-election period.
Terror at the Temple
The violence began at approximately 6:30 PM at the Thakurpada Kaligachhtala Temple during the Shani Puja rituals. According to Cumilla District Police Superintendent Anisuzzaman, three unidentified assailants approached the temple pavilion and hurled a crude explosive device into the gathering.
In a courageous attempt to protect the devotees, the temple’s priest, Keshab Chakraborty, tried to move the hand bomb away using a wooden staff. The device detonated upon impact, causing him immediate injury.
Escalation at the Mosque
As the perpetrators fled the scene, they continued their trail of violence. Upon reaching the nearby Baganbari Mosque, the attackers detonated two more hand bombs in front of the entrance. This second wave of explosions injured two muśollīs who were arriving for their evening prayers.
| Casualty Name | Status/Role | Location of Incident |
| Keshab Chakraborty | Priest, Kaligachhtala Temple | Temple Pavilion |
| Abdul Barek | Muśollī | Baganbari Mosque Entrance |
| Unidentified | Muśollī | Baganbari Mosque Entrance |
All three victims were swiftly transported to Cumilla Sadar Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment for their injuries.
Official Response and Investigation
Following the blasts, senior officials including District Magistrate Mu. Reza Hasan and Cumilla RAB Commander Major Sadman Ibn Alam visited the sites to oversee the security response.
The police have recovered a suspicious white bag abandoned by the attackers at the temple gates. As a safety precaution, the bag has been submerged in water to neutralise any further explosives. “A specialist bomb disposal unit is travelling from Dhaka to safely inspect the contents,” stated Superintendent Anisuzzaman.
Authorities believe the attacks were a deliberate attempt to disrupt the peace in Cumilla following the recent elections. Forensic evidence has been gathered, and a full-scale investigation is underway to apprehend those responsible for this provocation.