Security has been reinforced at the shrine premises of Baul monarch Fakir Lalon Shah in Cheuria, Kumarkhali, Kushtia, following the recovery of a time bomb and two bottles of petrol. To keep the situation under control, two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members have been deployed there. On Monday morning, a police bomb disposal team from Dhaka defused the recovered bomb.
According to police and local sources, around 1:30 AM on Sunday night, a suspicious object wrapped in a white bag was spotted lying under a coconut tree on the right side of the main gate of the Akhra Bari. The spot is near the entrance and there is also a police box there. Upon receiving the news, police quickly cordoned off the area. For security reasons, the sadhus and fakirs staying inside the Akhra Bari were moved to a safe location.
On Monday morning, a special police team from Dhaka inspected the bag and recovered the bomb and petrol. Later, the bomb was defused. Following the incident, restrictions have been imposed on the entry of sadhus, devotees, and general visitors into the Akhra Bari premises. At the same time, searches have been intensified at the entrance, surrounding roads, and important intersections.
Meanwhile, a three-day commemorative festival is underway at the Cheuria Akhra Bari on the occasion of the disappearance day of Lalon Shah. Concern over security has arisen due to the incident of recovering explosives during this event. However, law enforcement agencies have stated that necessary measures have been taken to keep the situation normal.
It has not yet been confirmed who or for what purpose placed the bomb and petrol on the Akhra Bari premises. Police are investigating the incident.
