Burqa-clad gang hurls bombs in Kalkini; 1 dead, 5 injured

A group of assailants disguised in women's robes (burqas) exploded crude bombs and hacked locals at Kaliganj market in Madaripur's Kalkini upazila on Thursday morning, triggering violence that left five people critically wounded and one attacker killed by a crowd.

According to local witnesses and police, a group of assailants wearing burqas entered Kaliganj market around 9:00AM. Equipped with lethal weapons and crude bombs, the group suddenly launched an attack and exploded several devices, triggering widespread panic.

Two brothers—Zohir Chokdar and Mohasin Chokdar, sons of the late Motaleb Chokdar—sustained severe chop wounds during the assault. Three other locals, identified as Azim, Rofiq, and Sobuj, were injured by shrapnel from the bomb explosions.

As the attackers attempted to flee the scene, an angry crowd chased and caught one of the assailants, severely beating him. Kalkini police arrived shortly after, contained the situation, and rescued the critically injured suspect.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where attending physicians declared him dead. Police subsequently identified the deceased attacker as Taijul Islam.

The five injured victims were admitted to local hospitals for urgent treatment, with several reportedly remaining in critical condition.

Additional police forces have been deployed across the Kaliganj market area to maintain order and prevent further violence. Senior police officials, including the Superintendent of Police for Madaripur, inspected the crime scene as an investigation into the motive and remaining suspects got underway.

-EM