2 cops hurt in blast targeting LGRD minister’s motorcade at Dhaka’s Science Lab

Two policemen sustained injuries after unidentified people hurled a hand bomb targeting the motorcade of Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) Minister Tajul Islam in Dhaka’s Science Lab intersection area on Saturday night.

“The bomb was hurled by the attackers from the foot-over bridge of Science Lab intersection when the protection vehicle of the minister was stuck in traffic congestion at the intersection. Two policemen got hurt from the blast,” said Hasin Uz Zaman, assistant commissioner of Dhanmondi Zone police.

The injured police officials were identified as Shahabuddin, 35, an assistant sub-inspector, and Aminul, 40, a traffic constable.

The incident took place in front of a police box at the intersection at around 9:30pm, said Abdul Latif, officer-in-charge of Dhanmondi Police Station.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia visited the spot around 11:00pm.

The minister’s motorcade was stuck in traffic congestion at the intersection on his way to Dhanmondi when ASI Shahabuddin, who was in the minister’s protection vehicle, came out to help constable Aminul ease the congestion, the DMP chief told journalists.

The bomb exploded on the ground near ASI Shahabuddin’s leg, leaving both the police officials injured, he also said.

“Police are investigating the incident,” the DMP chief added.

The injured were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) after the blast and were being treated there, said Inspector Bachchu Mia, in-charge of DMCH Police Outpost.

Shahabuddin suffered injuries on his both legs below the knee and on elbow while Aminul suffered injuries on his hands, Inspector Bachchu added.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammad Javed Patwary and DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia later visited the injured police officials at DMCH.