On 17 August 2005, around 500 bomb explosions occurred at 300 locations in 63 out of the 64 districts of
Bangladesh. The bombs exploded within a half hour period starting from 11:30 am. A terrorist organization,
Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) claimed responsibility for the bombings. The group, led by
Shaykh Abdur Rahman and Siddiqur Rahman (also known as
Bangla Bhai), is alleged to be affiliated with
Al Qaeda, although this has not been proven. Another terrorist group, named
Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami, was associated with JMB in executing the co-ordinated attack. Following the bombings, both groups were banned by the Government of Bangladesh.