Police have recovered a time bomb and two litres of petrol from the premises of the shrine of Fakir Lalon Shah in Cheuriya, Kumarkhali, Kushtia. A bomb disposal team from Dhaka arrived on Monday morning and safely defused the device. Security has since been strengthened at the shrine, with two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel deployed alongside police.
The suspicious package was discovered at around 1.30 am on Monday, following a report that a bomb had been left inside the shrine complex. Police immediately cordoned off the area and took precautionary measures to prevent any potential casualties.
Those staying inside the premises, including devotees and wandering mystics known as sadhus and fakirs, were moved to a safe location during the night. The bomb disposal team subsequently arrived from Dhaka and examined the package before defusing the device.
Faisal Mahmud, additional superintendent of police (Crime and Operations) and spokesperson for Kushtia district police, confirmed the incident by telephone at around 10.30 am on Monday.
He said the officer-in-charge of Kumarkhali Police Station had received information about the presence of a bomb inside the shrine during the night. Police then secured the area and maintained a cautious position until the specialist team arrived.
According to Mahmud, the recovered device was a time bomb that could have exploded at any moment. The bomb disposal team neutralised it on Monday morning. Police also searched the entire shrine complex as part of efforts to ensure that no further threats remained.
Local sources and police said the suspicious object had been found inside a white bag beneath a coconut tree, just beyond the shrine’s main entrance on the right-hand side. A police booth is located nearby, prompting officers to respond quickly after receiving the information.
The team later recovered the time bomb and two litres of petrol from the bag. Following the operation, authorities decided to intensify searches and surveillance throughout the premises and surrounding areas.
Mizanur Rahman, additional deputy commissioner of Kushtia, said there was no immediate reason for the public to panic, adding that the situation remained under control.
He said extensive security checks would be conducted from noon on Monday. Police and BGB personnel would search roads leading to the shrine, junctions and entry points, as well as the entire complex. The measures are intended to prevent any further security risks while the investigation continues.
The incident occurred during a three-day programme marking the death anniversary of Lalon Shah, which began at the shrine on Saturday. Sunday was the second day of the event, with programmes scheduled to continue until Monday night.
The annual gathering attracts Lalon devotees, sadhus, fakirs and visitors from different parts of the country. The discovery of an explosive device during the celebrations has therefore raised concerns about the safety of those attending the event.
Lalon Shah, the celebrated Bengali mystic poet and songwriter, remains an influential figure in the region’s spiritual and cultural traditions. His teachings, songs and philosophy continue to draw followers who gather at his shrine for commemorative events and cultural programmes.
Given the significance of the occasion and the presence of visitors at the site, authorities have increased security to ensure that the celebrations can proceed without further disruption.
Police are investigating who left the explosive device and petrol at the shrine and what their motive might have been. No individual or group has been identified as responsible, and the motive behind the incident has not yet been established.
Authorities are continuing searches and monitoring the area for any additional threats. Further information is expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
