Three Injured as Suspected Explosive Detonates in Rural Bakerganj

Three members of the same household have sustained critical burn injuries after a suspected explosive device detonated at a village home in the Bakerganj sub-district of Barishal early on Monday morning.

The detonation occurred at approximately 06:00 BST within the residential compound of Shah Alam Howlader, situated in Dudhalmow village under Bharpasha Union.

Blast Details and Immediate Aftermath

The casualties have been identified as Hanufa Begum, wife of Shah Alam Howlader, their daughter Iti, and her young son Fahim. According to community members, a loud explosion reverberated throughout the locality, startling residents and causing widespread anxiety across the immediate neighbourhood.

Jamal, the son of Shah Alam Howlader, provided an account of the event, explaining that an unknown bomb-like object concealed within a sandbag adjacent to their main dwelling suddenly exploded. The force of the blast set his mother, sister, and nephew on fire. Driven by panic and severe pain, the three victims rushed out of the homestead and submerged themselves in the adjacent Tulatala River to extinguish the flames. Although the water put out the fire, their clothing was entirely burnt away and all three suffered severe injuries.

Local villagers quickly gathered at the scene upon hearing the blast, offering immediate assistance to retrieve the burn victims from the riverbank and arrange emergency transport.

Medical Evacuation and Hospitalisation

The casualties were initially taken to the Bakerganj Upazila Health Complex for triage and immediate medical stabilization. However, duty doctors determined that the severity of their burn injuries required specialized secondary care, prompting an urgent transfer to the Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital (SBMCH) in Barishal city.

Forensic Enquiries and Police Response

Upon receiving notification of the blast, officers from Bakerganj Police Station deployed to the scene to maintain order and establish a security perimeter. Forensic evidence and material samples were gathered from the blast site to assist with chemical analysis.

The Officer-in-Charge of Bakerganj Police Station, Adil Hossain, affirmed that a thorough investigation is actively underway to determine the exact type of explosive device involved and to identify those responsible for its presence at the property. The family has stated to the police that they have no knowledge of who placed the explosive object near their home or where it originated.

The incident has caused widespread alarm across the union, and security forces remain in the area while investigations continue.