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Bangladesh launches massive hunt

NEW DELHI, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Security forces in Bangladesh launched a massive hunt for suspects of Wednesday's serial bomb blasts across the country.

About a dozen people were arrested in connection with the blasts that killed two people and injured 100.

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"Roughly 200 homemade bombs exploded on the streets, at courts and near by key government buildings in at least 60 cities and towns of Bangladesh shortly after Prime Minister Khaleda Zia left Dhaka Wednesday on a five day visit to China," said the Indian Express newspaper Friday.

Zia is likely to return to Dhaka Friday cutting short her visit, said Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, a senior minister. A police official said about 100 people were detained in connection with the blasts.

Police also seized several live bombs from suspects and found others in various places, the official said.

Serial bomb blasts rocked Bangladesh Wednesday. No person or group has claimed responsibility but it is believed to be the work of Islamic militants who have been seeking Islamic law across the nation.

"Copies of leaflets found at the blast sites carried a call by Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen, a banned Islamic militant organization that spearheaded campaign for Islamic rule in Bangladesh," said Bangladeshi security agencies.

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