The Bangladesh Army has found no evidence of a reported cocktail explosion during the election campaign of BNP candidate Ershad Ullah in Boalkhali, Chattogram. After inspecting the site, collecting evidence, and analyzing CCTV footage, the army concluded that the sound initially described as a blast was actually from a small firecracker or ‘chocolate bomb’. Major Md. Rasel, commander of the Boalkhali army camp, confirmed that no explosive residue or aftershock was detected at the scene.

The investigation reviewed four CCTV recordings, which showed a low-intensity sound inconsistent with a cocktail explosion. Although one person’s movements appeared suspicious, neither BNP nor Jamaat leaders could identify him. The army’s findings also cleared those previously accused, including a Jamaat activist whom BNP had blamed for the alleged attack. Footage showed that the accused was sitting at a nearby tea stall when the sound occurred and later ran toward the site with others.

The incident, which took place Monday evening near Purba Kadhurkhil High School, had sparked political tension in Chattogram-8. The army’s investigation determined it was a misunderstanding rather than an explosion.