At least three people, including a temple priest, were injured after unidentified assailants hurled hand bombs at a temple in Cumilla city on Saturday evening. While fleeing the scene, the attackers also reportedly threw two more hand bombs near a nearby mosque, police said.
The incident occurred around 6:30pm at the Kaligachtala Temple in the Thakurpara area of Cumilla city. According to police, a religious ritual known as Shani Puja was underway at the temple when three unidentified individuals entered the premises and threw a hand bomb at the worship area.
Temple priest Keshab Chakraborty attempted to move the explosive away with a stick, but it detonated shortly afterwards, leaving him injured.
Among the injured are priest Keshab Chakraborty and Abdul Barek, who was on his way to offer prayers at the nearby Baganbari Mosque. The identity of another injured person could not be immediately confirmed. The injured were taken to Cumilla Sadar Hospital for treatment.
Police said the attackers fled the scene immediately after the incident, leaving behind a suspicious bag in front of the temple. While escaping, they also reportedly detonated two hand bombs near the nearby mosque, injuring two worshippers there.
Following the incident, Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan and Cumilla RAB Commander Major Sadman Ibne Alam, along with other senior officials, visited the scene.
Cumilla Superintendent of Police Anisuzzaman said law enforcement authorities have collected evidence from the site and an investigation is underway. A specialised team from Dhaka is expected to assist with the probe.
The police suspect the attack may have been carried out to create unrest in the area following the recent election.
He added that the suspicious white bag left in front of the temple has been placed in water for safety reasons. It will be examined with the assistance of a bomb disposal unit to determine its contents.
