Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami expressed deep concern after a powerful improvised explosive device, or IED, was recovered from inside an umbrella beneath Motijheel Metro Rail Station in the capital on Friday night. In a press release sent to the media on July 25, the party’s secretary general, Mia Golam Parwar, described the incident as highly alarming because it occurred in one of Dhaka’s busiest and most densely populated areas.

Parwar said the recovery of such a lethal explosive had raised questions about public safety. He said such activities were intended to create fear among people and push the country’s law-and-order situation toward a serious crisis. He called on law-enforcement agencies to remain alert and active in preventing any anti-country conspiracy or activity aimed at disrupting peace, order and stability.

Calling public safety a fundamental responsibility of the government, he demanded stronger security at metro rail stations and other important crowded locations nationwide. He also expressed sympathy for a passerby injured by shrapnel during bomb disposal and urged proper, advanced treatment. Parwar called for an immediate impartial investigation committee, identification of planners and implementers, swift arrests and exemplary punishment. He also urged people to remain united and vigilant against provocation and sabotage.