Two killed in 'suicide attack' on Bangladesh MP

DHAKA (AFP) – A possible suicide bomb attack on a lawmaker in western Bangladesh killed at least two people and critically injured one other Saturday, police said.

Police said Afaz Uddin, a member of parliament for the ruling Awami League party, escaped unhurt after a bomb was set off in his home at Doulatpur town, some 250 kilomtres (155 miles) west of the capital Dhaka.

"The bomb carrier was sitting in the MP's drawing room when the bomb detonated. Two people died instantly including the bomb carrier," said Mostofa Kamal, a deputy police chief of the district.

Another police officer said one of the two critically injured people died on the way to hospital.

Police were not sure whether it was a planned suicide attack targeting the lawmaker or an accidental blast. The area is home to several outlawed Maoist groups.

"It was a powerful bomb. We are investigating whether it was a suicide blast," Kamal said.