2002 Mymensingh cinema bombing

2002 Mymensingh cinema bombing was a coordinated bombing of four movie theaters that resulted in the death of 27 people and over 200 injured in Mymensingh, Bangladesh on 6 December 2002.^[1] The bombing was carried out by Jama’atul Mujahedeen Bangladesh.^[2]

Background

The attacked few months after a circus and theater were bombed in Satkhira, Bangladesh.^[3] The attacks took place while the anti crime Operation Clean Heart were ongoing. Soldiers from the operation were involved in the rescue and first-aid efforts. After the explosions a bomb was found in Gaibandha, Bangladesh.^[4]

Attack

The attacks took place following the Eid holidays which meant the movie theaters were filled. On 6 December 2002 there was four simultaneous explosions in four different movie theaters.^[5]

Trial

In 2002 Bangladesh Police charged three people with the crime. It also dropped the names of 43 people from the investigation which were added during the Bangladesh Nationalist Party Government including members of then opposition party Bangladesh Awami League and journalist.^[6][7]

Reactions

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia, blamed the opposition party Awami League and described it as a planned attack to destabilize the government.^[8]

References