DHAKA, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Bangladesh's military-backed interim government has tightened security ahead of the anniversary of deadly bombings by Islamist militants, who sought to turn the mainly Muslim country into a sharia state.

On Aug 17, 2005, members of outlawed militant groups Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen and Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh, exploded more than 500 small bombs across the country simultaneously, killing six people and wounding dozens.

More bombings followed, including suicide attacks, killing about 25 people and wounding 150 others, including judges, lawyers and police.

Top leaders of the two groups were hanged in March 2006. But law enforcement agencies say hundreds of militants remain in hiding and could regroup and strike again.

"We have taken special precautions and put security agencies on high alert to keep the militants at bay," said a senior police officer on Saturday.

"The security has been further tightened ahead of the Muslim Shab-e-barat (night to seek divine blessings) on Saturday," said the officer who asked not to be identified.

Officials fear the militants could try to take advantage of the country's fragile political situation ahead of elections due before the year-end.

Authorities have banned firecrackers -- a regular feature on Shab-e-barat -- to keep the night tranquil and avoid any attack by militants disguised as devotees.

Many Muslim pray through the night at mosques or in their homes, and also offer food to the poor. The Shab-e-barat is observed two weeks before the start of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. (Reporting by Anis Ahmed; Editing by David Fogarty)

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