DACCA: The President of Dacca Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Mutiur Rahman, today [May 13] expressed the view that bomb explosions and acts of terrorism were bound to affect the economy of East Pakistan very seriously. In a statement on the incidence of bomb explosions in the city and elsewhere, Mr Rahman said a panicky situation had been created when nobody could feel secure and carry on his normal duties. …

He said those who were indulging in such activities were the greatest enemies of the people and were small in number. He said the people who were responsible for bomb explosions were trying to create commotion and anarchy. He called upon the authorities to take stern measures against these people and give them exemplary punishment.

In a joint statement Pir Mohsenuddin Ahmed and Maulana Shamsuddin Kashemi, President and General Secretary respectively of the East Pakistan Jamiat-i-Ulema-i-Islam, expressed grave concern over the “terrorist activities” in the form of bomb explosions in Dacca and Khulna during the last two weeks. The Jamiat leaders thought these activities were pre-planned and were designed to create impediments in the way of achieving the rights and aspirations of the people through elections.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2020