Two crude bombs go off at Ashulia Press Club

Two crude bombs exploded in front of Ashulia Press Club on Sunday night, creating panic among journalists.

One was blasted around 8:10pm under the private car of Muzaffor Hossen Joy, Dhaka district correspondent of Somoy TV; and minutes later another exploded little away from the spot, said witnesses.

"We could not see anyone who blasted those," said Khoka Mahmud Chowdhory, Ashulia correspondent of the Desh Rupantor. "We are in fear as we have to go outside for report," he said.

Khoka, former joint secretary of the press club, further said several days ago one Manik threatened to kill Muzaffor as he made two reports on extortion in transports and drug peddling. "He [Manik] and his associates might be behind the blasts," he said.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Muzaffor echoed him. "I also filed a general dairy (GD) over the threat with Ashulia Police Station at that time," said the journalist, adding that he filed a case over the blasts with Ashulia Police Station, accusing unnamed persons.

This correspondent found Manik's phone switched off.

Locals said Manik is nephew of Shohidulla Munshi, who is a dissolved committee president of Ashulia Press Club.

Contacted, Munshi claimed that the false allegation was brought against his nephew just to tarnish his image. "There was a scuffle between him and other press club members..."

Munshi further said, "Some days ago, I went to the club and had argued with Joy over a trifling matter. My nephew Manik was present but he did not threaten Joy."

About the blasts he said, "I am not aware of it."

Officer-in-Charge of the station Kamruzzaman said they are investigating the explosions.

A team of Police Bureau of Investigation and a bomb disposal unit yesterday visited the spot.