9 killed in Dhaka bomb blast

By Haroon Habib

DHAKA, APRIL 14. At least nine people were killed and 20 others injured in a powerful bomb blast during a function to celebrate the Bengali New Year of Pahela Baisakh at the Ramna Park near Dhaka University early today.

Police say some of the dead could have been suicide bombers, allegedly hired by religious fanatics who consider such celebrations not only as being against Islam but also a substantial threat to their re-emergence.

Police said 14 of the injured had been rushed to a nearby hospital adding a policeman suffered minor injuries in a second smaller blast near the scene.

Authorities have cordoned off the area. The Home Minister, Mohammed Nasim, and senior police officials visited the area and ordered an immediate investigation. No one has claimed responsibility for the blast.

The function, which was being telecast live on state- run Bangladesh TV, was immediately abandoned.

Artistes of the cultural organisation Chayanat were rendering songs of Rabindranath Tagore welcoming the new year when the blast occurred.

This is the first such attack on a Bengali new year function, which draws tens of thousands of Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Buddhists. The celebrations, primary source of secular Bengali nationhood, have long been opposed by fanatics terming it an alien Hindu culture.

Condemning the incident, the President, Mr. Justice Shahabuddin, said those responsible must be punished. The Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, holding ``anti-Bangladesh forces'' responsible, said those who did not believe in inherent Bengali culture, heritage and nation's independence had committed the crime. The main opposition leader, Begum Khaleda Zia, demanded a judicial inquiry and blamed the Government for lack of security.

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Section  : International
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