Dhaka, Dec. 28 -- Reactions between chemicals stored in large quantities led to the explosion that blew away the walls of a madrasa and caused cracks in its roof and columns on the outskirts of Dhaka on Friday.

Police say the chemicals found stored in the building are commonly used to make explosives, adding that the director of the educational institution is a former "suspected extremist".

The explosion occurred at the Ummal Qura International Madrasa at Hasnabad in South Keraniganj.

Police hold the madrasa Director Al Amin Sheikh as the key suspect in the explosion. Al Amin is now on the run, leaving behind his wife and child injured in the explosion.

Police have shown arrested three women, including the wife of the key suspect.

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