Ten objects resembling landmines and five empty landmine boxes have been recovered from an abandoned plot in Gangni upazila of Meherpur, prompting police to secure the area and alert a bomb disposal unit.
The objects were discovered around noon on Saturday, 8 August, in an abandoned plot in Betbaria village under Kazipur Union. The discovery has caused concern among residents, who gathered near the site after news of the objects spread through the locality.
According to local sources, Kando Malitha, son of the late Abul Malitha and a resident of Betbaria village, was working on his own land when he noticed several unusual metallic objects beneath the soil. Their appearance raised suspicion, prompting further digging.
As the soil was cleared, a total of 10 objects resembling landmines and five empty boxes believed to be associated with landmines were found. The discovery was subsequently reported to Gangni Police Station.
Police officers arrived at the location soon afterwards and cordoned off the area. Residents were kept at a safe distance while arrangements were made for the objects to be examined by specialists.
Sub-Inspector Zahurul Islam, in charge of Bamundi Police Camp, said authorities had not yet established whether the recovered objects were active landmines or old and inactive explosive devices.
He urged members of the public to stay away from the site until the objects had been properly examined. Police are treating the materials as potentially hazardous until specialists determine their actual nature.
Gangni Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Shimul Kumar Das said officers had been sent to the site immediately after receiving the report. He said a bomb disposal unit had been notified to examine the recovered objects.
According to the police officer, only a specialist examination can establish whether the objects are genuine landmines. Until then, authorities are maintaining security around the location as a precaution.
The presence of several landmine-like objects and empty boxes in the same area has raised questions among local residents about their origin and how they came to be buried there. However, no conclusion has been reached regarding their age, origin or whether they contain any active explosive material.
Police have advised residents not to touch, move or attempt to inspect the objects themselves. Such items can pose a serious risk if they contain explosives or have been damaged over time, making specialist handling necessary.
The next step will be the arrival of the bomb disposal team, whose examination is expected to determine the nature of the recovered materials and whether any further safety measures are required at the site.
