By Mainul Islam Khan
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) – Two policemen were killed in a blast near a ground where Eid prayers were about to be held in central Kishoregong district early Thursday morning, local media said.
The incident took place at a time when the country marked the first day of Eid and was still reeling from the aftermath of a recent terrorist attack on a cafe in the capital that left 20 people, mostly foreigners dead.
Several people were also left injured in the blast near Sholakia ground where the country’s biggest Eid congregation is said to take place.
Police also reportedly hit back at assailants and killed a suspect.
A housewife, who was hit by a bullet that penetrated her hut, also later died in the exchange of fire.
Police constable Jahurul Haque, 30, also got a deep wound behind his neck from a sharp weapon, online newspaper bdnews24.com said.
One alleged attacker was also nabbed from the scene.
Despite the attack, Eid prayers were held at the ground as planned, local media added.
The incident took place a week after a restaurant in Dhaka’s diplomatic zone came under gun-and-bomb attack, which left at least 22 people, including 17 foreign nationals – including nine Italian and seven Japanese dead on July 1.
Six terrorists, who were said to be in their 20s, were also killed by military commandos in a rescue attempt early next morning. Daesh had claimed responsibility for the incident.