One killed, 15 injured in cocktail blast in Shariatpur

A 70-year-old man was killed and at least 15 people were injured in a clash between two groups over local dominance in Shariatpur’s Zajira upazila on Monday night.

The incident occurred around 8:30pm in Laukhola area of Mulna Union, when supporters of two rival groups clashed and several crude bombs, locally known as cocktails, were detonated.

The deceased was identified as Mannan Sardar, son of late Aliuddin Sardar of Chardhupur Charkandi area in neighbouring Senerchar Union.

According to locals and police, a long-standing dispute over local dominance had been continuing between supporters of Rezaul Shikder and Tamiz Khan.

Mannan, a supporter of Rezaul Shikder, was taken to Zajira Upazila Health Complex after being injured in the blasts. Doctors declared him dead after examination.

Another injured man, Ripon Molla, a supporter of Tamiz Khan, suffered severe injuries, with one of his hands reportedly severed. He was given initial treatment before being referred to Dhaka for further treatment.

Zajira Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Roman Badshah said two people were brought to the hospital with blast injuries. One had severe damage to his hand, while the other was declared dead after examination.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Naria Circle) Mohammad Mahiuddin Miraj said additional police had been deployed at the scene and legal action would be taken.

SKS