Blasts targeting Shias kill one, wound nearly 90 in Bangladesh

At least one person was killed and nearly 90 others were injured today in a series of bomb blasts in front of a Shia shrine in Bangladesh where the members of the minority community had gathered for a procession to mark the holy day of Ashura.

The blasts occurred around 1:30 AM at Huseni Dalan, an important 17th century centre of learning for the Shia community. The Shias were preparing for the traditional procession on the occasion of Ashura when the blasts took place, a police officer said.

The Ashura is observed on 10th day of Islamic month of Muharram to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Additional Director General Ziaul Ahsan said hand-made bombs were hurled at the gathering. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Most of the victims were men, Daily Star quoted a police officer as saying. One person was killed and 87 others injured in the blasts.

Fears of violence have been heightened this year amid violent attacks by Islamic extremists. Locals and law enforcement agencies rushed the wounded to hospitals.

People were seen running frantically after the blasts. Ahsan said they were examining the evidence collected from the scene.

"We think these blasts were carried out to create a chaotic situation in the country," he said.