DHAKA: A nationwide wave of bombings has shaken Bangladesh and challenged the Islamist-allied government’s claim that it has religious extremists under control, analysts say.

“The government has been saying that things are all right here but after Wednesday’s attacks nobody will believe that any more,” said Abdul Awal Mintoo, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

“These bombs were a big and terrible statement and the government must get its act together to wipe out these groups out. If not, a very bad future is looming for this country,” he said. Leaflets bearing the name of the banned hardline Jamayetul Mujahideen were found at the scene of more than 350 explosions that rocked most major towns and cities across the country. Police said one suspect had confessed to the involvement of the group.

Two people were killed and more than 100 injured in the low-intensity blasts, which have not been claimed, while police said 87 people have been arrested.

The government in February banned Jamayetul Mujahideen, saying its members were “involved in criminal activities to achieve their goals”.

A second group, Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh, was banned at the same time following police criticism of its “over-enthusiasm” after villagers complained it pressured women to wear burqas and men to grow beards in accordance with Islamic codes. The bans on the two groups followed a series of bombings and grenade attacks, including on an opposition rally last August that killed more than 20 people.

The four-party coalition government which includes two mainstream Islamic parties, Jamaat-e-Islami and Oikya Jote, maintains that the country is a moderate Muslim nation and has no problem with Muslim extremists.

But commentators, neighbouring India, and foreign government officials have repeatedly raised questions about the influence wielded by extremists. In May New Delhi said it was concerned at what it called the rise of Muslim fundamentalism in Bangladesh.

“It (Dhaka) has remained indifferent to the rising influence of political parties and organisations of fundamentalist and radical Islamist orientation in Bangladeshi society and government,” the Indian defence ministry said.

Wednesday’s coordinated bombings indicate just how powerful the extremists are, commentators said.

“Whoever did this made a big statement. It shows how fragile the security situation is here,” security expert Sakhawat Hossain, a former army brigadier general, told AFP.

“In terms of security, it shows that we are now the weakest country in South Asia, even weaker than Nepal,” he added.

Economists fear the publicity generated by the violence could deter investment that is crucial to poverty eradication.

“(The bombings) are a very bad omen for the country. It proves that not only are hardline Islamists here in Bangladesh, but they are also very effective,” said leading economist Quazi Kholiquzzaman.

“What these synchronised bombings mean is that these groups have the capacity to do big damage. (The) bombings may be a trial run. They are capable of doing much more damage,” he said.—AFP