More than 300,000 people took part in mass prayers in
Sholakia, 62 miles (100 kilometers) northeast of the capital Dhaka, when the
attack was launched at the checkpoint, Kishoregunj District Police
Assistant
Superintendent Shoaib Abu Shayal said.
Three people were killed at a Bangladesh checkpoint Thursday
when gunmen carrying bombs tried to attack the country's biggest gathering to
mark the Muslim Eid holiday.
"The attackers' target was the congregation but the
police were able to stop them from crossing the checkpoint," Bangladeshi
Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu told CNN. "This is an open area where
a huge Eid gathering happens every year."
The Eid-al-Fitr festival celebrates the end of Ramadan, when
Muslims break their fast and celebrate with their families, friends and
communities. One police officer and a female civilian died in an exchange of
gunfire, police told CNN, while another officer was wounded and died later at a
hospital. As many as 14 other officers were injured.
Police told CNN the perpetrators attacked the checkpoint,
which was set up bout a kilometer from the gathering, and took shelter in a
house after fighting broke out. Police then surrounded the house and searched
the area, they said.
The information minister said the operation had ended. One
of the attackers was killed and four others were taken into custody, he said.
Source: CNN
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