We strongly condemn the deplorable and failed attempt at terrorism by an American of Bangladeshi descent who had strapped a pipe bomb to his body in port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City. The terrorist ended up seriously wounding himself. Four other persons were also injured. While the damage was minimal this outrageous act could have caused more casualties.

So far no terrorist group has issued a claim of responsibility and the concerned authorities in USA have not confirmed any links or sympathies by the bomber. However, it is well known that the IS does not always link itself to attack that are unsuccessful or where the suspect has been arrested. And the terror group has been intensifying its calls for supporters to carry out terror attacks around the world as it becomes harder for jihadis to travel to its dwindling territories in Iraq and Syria.

That few people suffered does not make the act any less cowardly and criminal. This terrorist by his act has also caused much harm to the Bangladeshi-American community, which is well regarded for their hard work and honesty. The community while retaining a strong bond with Bangladesh has acclimatized well with mainstream America. Most immigrants including Bangladeshis have in the main been well absorbed into the larger society.  

Pipe bomb, a type of improvised device, uses a sealed section of pipe filled with explosive material, aiming to increase the power of an explosion because of increased pressure and shrapnel. It is rather unusual for a single pipe bomb, which are normally concealed or used as part of larger devices, to be attached to a person.

While after the horrific indent of September 11, 2001, New York had been extra careful to save itself from acts of terrorism. The city was already on high alert for terror attacks after eight people were killed when an IS-inspired attacker ploughed a rented van into cyclists on a bike path in October. However it is extremely difficult to thwart a lone wolf attack. And the cosmopolitan character of NY City that makes it a terrorist target.

But we hope that America will not resort to wrong responses: any type of overreaction would be equally damaging in its own way by adding to the intolerance and suspicion that can foster radicalisation, isolation and hatred. It is widely recognised that it will never be possible to prevent every terror attack in a free society. But terror will have won if, in the fight against it, the society in question fails to protect the sense of shared purpose and trust that bind it together.