More than 300,000 people took part in mass prayers in Sholakia, 62 miles (100 kilometers) northeast of the capital Dhaka, when the attack was launched at the checkpoint, Kishoregunj District Police Assistant Superintendent Shoaib Abu Shayal said.
The violence has shaken the country, as it appears to be the first attempt at a major attack directed entirely at Muslims.
"The attackers' target was the congregation but the police were able to stop them from crossing the checkpoint," Bangladeshi Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu told CNN.
"This is an open area where a huge Eid gathering happens every year."
The Eid-al-Fitr festival celebrates the end of Ramadan, when Muslims break their fast and celebrate with their families, friends and communities.
One police officer and a female civilian died in an exchange of gunfire, police told CNN, while another officer was wounded and died later at a hospital. As many as 14 other officers were injured.
Police told CNN the perpetrators attacked the checkpoint, which was set up bout a kilometer from the gathering, and took shelter in a house after fighting broke out. Police then surrounded the house and searched the area, they said.
The information minister said the operation had ended. One of the attackers was killed and four others were taken into custody, he said.
(CNN)
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