Powerful explosion in Bangladesh’s capital kills 16, dozens injured

DHAKA, Bangladesh

At least 16 people were killed and dozens injured in a powerful explosion in Bangladesh’s capital of Dhaka, according to officials.

An officer at the headquarters of Fire Service and Civil Defense told Anadolu that the explosion occurred in the Gulistan area late Tuesday and five units of the force were working on rescue operations.

An Anadolu journalist saw most parts of a five-story building was damaged at the site that is close to the Secretariat office and the President’s office with Residence, the Bangabhaban.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Joint Commissioner (Operations), Biplab Kumar Sarkar, told Anadolu in response to a question that without a complete investigation, it cannot be ascertained the exact cause of the explosion.

He said the Fire Service and police will investigate.

Dhaka Medical College Hospital police outpost in-charge Bachchu Mia, confirmed that more than 75 injured people, including several, who were critically injured, were taken to the hospital in addition to the bodies.

Many of the victims suffered minor injuries and have left after preliminary treatment while dozens are under treatment. The conditions of some of victims are critical.

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