Petrol Bomb Thrown at Shakib Al Hasan’s Residence in Magura

Unidentified miscreants have launched a petrol bomb attack targeting the ancestral residence of Shakib Al Hasan, former captain of the Bangladesh national cricket team and former Member of Parliament for the Magura-1 constituency. The incident occurred on Wednesday night at approximately 8:45 pm in the Keshabmor area of Magura town, triggering widespread alarm across the neighbourhood.

According to local reports, the assailants targeted the upper portion of the iron gate situated on the southern side of the compound. They hurled an explosive device, which detonated against the structure with a deafening blast. The sudden explosion created an immediate wave of panic among residents living in the immediate vicinity. Despite the intensity of the detonation, no casualties or major structural damages were reported from the scene.

Upon receiving news of the blast, a operational team from the Magura Sadar Police Station arrived at the premises at around 9:15 pm. Officers immediately cordoned off the property and conducted a thorough inspection of the surrounding area to gather forensic evidence and debris left behind by the explosive. Authorities confirmed that the perpetrators fled the scene immediately after the attack, and their identities remain unknown.

Addressing the media regarding the incident, the Officer-in-Charge of Magura Sadar Police Station, Abdul Al Mamun, stated that law enforcement agencies are treating the breach with utmost seriousness. He noted that while an explosive object was thrown at the main gate, forensic experts and investigative officers must complete their technical evaluations before officially classifying the device as a petrol bomb. He added that police have initiated a comprehensive inquiry to identify those responsible and determine the underlying motive behind the attack, while extra security precautions and increased patrols have been deployed throughout the locality to maintain public order.

The attack came hours after Shakib Al Hasan participated virtually in a high-profile press conference held in New Delhi by deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The virtual address, hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) South Asia, attracted millions of digital viewers across various social media channels throughout the day.

Shakib Al Hasan was elected to parliament as an Awami League candidate for the Magura-1 seat in January 2024. Following the significant political change on 5th August 2024, residences and establishments belonging to numerous former lawmakers across the country were subjected to vandalism and arson. However, Shakib’s family home in Magura had remained entirely untouched until this evening’s attack, marking the first time his local property has been targeted in connection with the political turmoil.