Akayed Ullah: First photo released of New York bombing suspect

Authorities have released the first image of the suspect in the explosion at New York City's Port Authority terminal.

Police named 27-year-old Akayed Ullah of Brooklyn, New York as the suspect. He is accused of setting off an improvised explosive device in the crowded Port Authority terminal during rush hour on Monday morning. Three people suffered minor injuries from the explosion. Mr Ullah sustained severe burns to his abdomen and hands.

Mr Ullah is originally from Bangladesh, and came to the US with his parents and siblings in 2011. Sources briefed on the investigation told the Associated Press that he arrived on a preferential visa for those with family in the US. He later obtained a green card and became a permanent US resident, according to CBS.

The suspect had no criminal history in Bangladesh, where he last visited in September, the country's police chief told Reuters. In New York, he held a for-hire vehicle drivers licence from 2012 to 2015, according to CNN. The license lapsed in March 2015, and Mr Ullah did not renew it.

The owner of the building where Mr Ullah and his family live told CNN the suspect was not particularly friendly. He added that other tenants had complained of fighting and yelling coming from the apartment over the last two days.

Speaking to investigators from his hospital bed, Mr Ullah said Isis inspired him to carry out his attack, according to the Associated Press. He claimed not to have had any direct contact with the terror group.

New York Police Commissioner James O'Neill said the suspect detonated an "improvised, low-tech explosive device" that was strapped to his body with velcro and zip ties. Officials say he assembled the device, similar to a pipe bomb, in his apartment.

The explosion occurred in an underground walkway connecting trains at 42nd St and 8th Avenue. The area is a major hub for commuters and a popular spot for tourists. Attractions such as the Rockefeller Christmas tree and holiday store displays draw crowds of visitors to the area in the winter months.

Authorities evacuated the terminal after the explosion, which occurred around 7:20 am. Trains were briefly rerouted away from the area during the police investigation. Full service resumed three hours later.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo urged the city's resident's to continue with their days as usual.

“We’re not going to allow them to disrupt us," he said. "That is exactly what they want, and that is exactly what they’re not going to get."