Homeland Security

DATE=12/07/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= BANGLADESH/EXPOLSIONS (S/L)

NUMBER=297225

BYLINE=ANJANA PASRICHA

DATELINE=NEW DELHI

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

///EDS: Please watch CN file for changes in casualty figures to update intro ///

INTRO: In Bangladesh, at least 15 people have been killed and scores injured in a series of bomb explosions at crowded movie theaters. Anjana Pasricha reports, the deadly blasts took place as Muslims celebrated the end

of the fasting month of Ramadan.

TEXT: Police say the bombs exploded at intervals of five-to-10 minutes at four movie theaters in the quiet tourist town of Mymenshingh, more than 100 kilometers north of the capital, Dhaka.

The first blast occurred as people were coming out of a theater at the end of a show, the others took place as people sat inside watching the films.

The buildings were packed with families celebrating a three-day holiday to mark the Eid al-Fitr festival.

Witnesses say people ran out of the theaters screaming for help. Many people were seriously injured. /// OPT /// Officials say the death toll is likely to rise. /// END OPT ///

This is the second time this year that Bangladesh has had to cope with bomb blasts. In September, more

than 100 people were injured in bomb explosions at a movie theater and a circus in a district town (Satkhira) south of Dhaka.

/ / / REST OPT / / /

Police have launched an investigation into the latest blasts. Security has been tightened in the town of

Mymenshingh. Troops have cordoned off the buildings where the explosions took place. A nationwide security alert has been sounded.

/// OPT /// Officials say no one has yet claimed responsibility for the blasts. /// END OPT ///

India's foreign minister (Yashwant Sinha) recently alleged that some al-Qaida members have taken shelter in Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation. Dhaka has strongly denied the accusation, saying New Delhi has provided no evidence to back its claims.

India and Bangladesh share a common border. (signed)

NEB/AP/TW