Bomb Blast at Imam’s House in Madaripur: Why Are Bomb Explosions Occurring Only in the Homes of People Linked to Madrasas and Religious Institutions?

Special Correspondent

Three explosions in Madaripur in the last 17 days have spread panic among the general public. Two of these incidents occurred in places related to madrasas and mosques. Locals are raising questions – why such explosions are happening only in religious educational institutions and the residences of related people? They have also demanded an investigation into whether there is any link between any extremist group and this.

On Tuesday afternoon, a loud explosion occurred in the living room of Akash Howlader, Imam of Al-Aqsa Akon Bari Jame Mosque in Hogalpatia area of ​​Jhaudi Union of Madaripur Sadar Upazila. The tin fence of the house was blown away. However, no one was injured. The imam is currently in Dhaka for treatment. His living room is next to the mosque. The key to the house was with Muazzin Md. Alauddin Olil Akon and three others. Hearing the sound, locals gathered in front of the mosque. Police of Sadar Model Police Station inspected the scene and collected evidence.

Earlier, on August 26, around 7:30 pm, a hand grenade exploded in an abandoned house in the Dakshin Jhikarhati area of ​​Ghatmaji Union in Sadar Upazila. On August 15, five child students were injured in a cocktail explosion at a women’s madrasa in Kalkini Municipality.

Locals say that such incidents are happening in educational institutions, religious establishments and abandoned houses. They have demanded an investigation into whether any extremist organization is involved in these incidents.

The police have a different story. Madaripur’s Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Sadar Circle) Fariha Rafiq Bhavna said, “The explosion took place on the balcony of the mosque’s imam’s house. The police have collected evidence and the investigation is underway.” She also said that there is a practice of making cocktail bombs in homes in Madaripur. They are used for self-defense, attacking opponents, social conflicts, establishing dominance or showing strength. The recent explosions may be isolated incidents centered on disputes or dominance. There is no other issue here.

Although the police claim that the incidents were the result of local conflicts, the question remains in the minds of local people – why are such explosions happening more often in the homes of religious institutions and related individuals? It remains to be seen what the outcome of the investigation will b