Kushtia Shibir man killed in blast

An alleged Islami Chhatra Shibir activist was killed when a bomb he was carrying exploded in Kushtia yesterday, police said.

The dead is Naimul Islam Naim, 14, of Koburhat Sardarpara area in Kushtia Sadar upazila.

Another “Shibir” activist, Hafizul Islam, also 14 and of the same area, was injured in the blast.

The incident happened around 11:15am when the two teenagers were going towards Koburhat Bazar on foot, according to witnesses and police.

“Suddenly, there was a loud bang and we saw the two boys on the scene,” said Masud Hossain, a street vendor.

Locals rushed to the blast scene but Naimul was already dead, said Zoynal Abedin, additional superintendent of police (ASP) in the district.

Severely injured Hafizur was taken to Kushtia General Hospital, he said.

Locals and Bottoil Union Parishad Chairman Abdul Momin Mondol said both Naimul and Hafizul were class-IX student at Koburhat High School and were involved in Chhatra Shibir politics.

Hafizur's father Abdul Khaleq said he was not aware of his son's involvement with Shibir.

No one from Naimul's family could be reached immediately.

ASP Zoynal said Naimul was killed after the bomb he was carrying went off. “Police recovered a circuit used in making bombs from his pocket.”

He said they were investigating to find out whether the duo was going to carry out any subversive activity.

“We are also trying to confirm whether they had any political affiliation,” he added.