A crude bomb exploded near the venue of a Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) programme attended by the party’s north region Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam in Bogura on Monday afternoon.

However, no casualties were reported in the incident.

According to police, the explosion occurred around 3:30 PM outside the District Council Office, shortly before the start of NCP’s district coordination meeting scheduled at 4pm inside the auditorium, where Sarjis Alam was present.

Bogura Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Hossain Mohammad Raihan confirmed the incident, saying, “Police rushed to the scene immediately. No one was injured, and the matter is being taken seriously.”

Speaking to reporters, Sarjis Alam condemned the attack, calling it an act of political provocation. “We are witnessing the arrogance of fascist elements conspiring against Bangladesh. When a crude bomb can explode outside an internal meeting, it raises serious concerns about the state of national security,” he said, warning that such incidents could be attempts to create unrest ahead of the elections.

Earlier in the day, Sarjis inaugurated the party’s temporary office near Altafunnesa playground before heading to the coordination meeting.

NCP district coordination member Sultan Mahmud said miscreants threw two crude bombs from a nearby four-storey building, one of which exploded. “Fortunately, everyone is safe,” he added.

Another party member, Shawkat Imran, criticised the authorities for inadequate security, alleging police arrived only after the blast. “This shows negligence. The groups responsible for rehabilitating the remnants of the previous regime are behind this attack,” he claimed.

Police said an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the explosion.