Cocktail explosion at Alinagar School and College center in Bhola, voting suspended

Polling was temporarily halted at the Alinagar School and College center in Bhola Sadar on Thursday afternoon following a crude bomb (cocktail) explosion.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:15 PM when a group of miscreants exploded the device on the center grounds to create panic. Center Presiding Officer Md. Omar Faruk reported that the group attempted to disrupt the process and harassed several polling officials. "Fortunately, they were unable to cause significant damage or compromise the booths," Faruk stated.

Md. Monirul Islam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bhola Sadar Model Police Station, confirmed that the group also attempted to seize ballot papers. "One individual has been detained in connection with the incident," the OC said, adding that an executive magistrate arrived at the scene to oversee legal proceedings.

Following a security sweep, the situation was brought under control. Voting, which was suspended for one hour, resumed at 1:15 PM.