Deadly Explosion Destroys Keraniganj Madrasa Classrooms

A powerful explosion at a madrasa in the Hasnabad area of South Keraniganj, on the outskirts of Dhaka, has left four people injured, including a woman and two young children, and has sparked serious concerns over illicit activities allegedly carried out within the premises. The blast, which occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Friday, caused extensive structural damage to the educational institution and nearby residential buildings.

The incident took place at the Ummeal Qura International Madrasa, housed in a single-storey structure. According to eyewitnesses and police officials, the force of the explosion blew apart the walls of two rooms on the western side of the building. Portions of the roof and support beams developed visible cracks, while adjacent rooms also sustained damage, rendering parts of the building unsafe.

Law enforcement authorities reported the recovery of crude explosive devices, commonly known as cocktail bombs, along with flammable chemicals and various tools believed to be used in the manufacture of explosives. Bomb disposal units, forensic experts, and crime scene investigators were deployed immediately and continued their operation for several hours following the incident.

Officer-in-Charge of South Keraniganj Police Station, Saiful Alam, confirmed that a General Diary (GD) has been filed in connection with the explosion. “Our bomb disposal and crime scene units are working to determine the exact cause of the blast. We have seized cocktail bombs, combustible materials, and equipment used in bomb-making,” he said, adding that the investigation remains ongoing.

A local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the moment of the explosion as terrifying. “There was a deafening sound that shook the entire neighbourhood. When we rushed to the scene, we saw that the walls of two rooms had completely collapsed. Cracks had appeared in the roof and beams, and nearby rooms were also affected,” he recounted.

The resident further noted that the madrasa typically accommodates between 30 and 35 students. Fortunately, as Friday is a weekly holiday, no students were present at the time of the explosion, preventing what could have been a far greater tragedy.

Injured Persons at a Glance :

Asia Begum and her two sons were initially taken to a local medical facility but were later referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

It was revealed that three rooms on one side of the building were used for educational activities, while the director, Sheikh Al Amin, had been living with his family in a room on the opposite side for the past three years.

Residents of neighbouring buildings also reported damage. Humayun Kabir, who lives next door, said that sections of his building cracked under the impact and furniture inside his home was damaged.

The building’s owner, Parveen Begum, expressed shock and distress. “I rented out my property three years ago for the madrasa. I never imagined that such dangerous materials could be stored here. Today, I see the building nearly torn apart, and police have recovered chemicals and explosive devices from inside,” she said.

Authorities have assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to uncover the truth behind the explosion and to identify any individuals involved. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising urgent questions about safety, oversight, and misuse of religious institutions.