A gang of 25 outlaws entered the district in mid-January with powerful bombs purchased from an Islamist militant group in Chittagong and they are now hiding, police sources said yesterday.

Police came to the conclusion after last week's recovery of 12 powerful bombs from a pond in Jhenidah town and postponement of District Women Affairs' fair scheduled to be held on February 22 following a bomb threat. The bombs were wrapped with polythene.

"We are working hard to track a down the outlaws. There is nothing to be worried. Combing operation is on to crush the terrorist", said a high-ranking police official in Jhenidah when contacted over cell phone.

The bombs were kept in the pond by extremists for use in destructive activities to avenge the "killing" of many of their leaders in crossfire.

The sources said Janajuddho faction of Purba Banglar Communist Party (PBCP) recently formed a bomb squad to avenge the killings.

They said police intelligence reports say all PBCP factions have united and prepared a 'hit list' to kill several politicians, police officials and journalists in Khulna region.

Jhenidah Police Superin-tendent Akram Hossain talking to The Daily Star over cell phone did not deny the report on formation of a bomb squad and entry of its members into Jhenidah district.

Apart from alerting all the six police stations and 23 outposts, security measures have been tightened at vital installations including TV and radio stations, power supply stations and in public places like bus stations in Khulna region, he said.