Jamiat calls for correction of the President’s controversial remark

Jamiat Ulema e Islam Bangladesh has expressed deep worry and objection over a part of the President’s speech at a religious event of Sanatan Dharma followers. The group said the words of a person in the highest constitutional post of the state must give the highest care to religious feelings and constitutional duty.

Shaykhul Hadith Maulana Ubaidullah Farooq, president of Jamiat Ulema e Islam Bangladesh, gave this reaction in a statement.

He said that, according to the Islamic faith, Almighty Allah alone is the creator, sustainer and protector of the whole universe. He said it does not match the basic belief of Tawhid in Islam to present any god or goddess as the savior or protector of the whole world. He said a person in the highest constitutional post of the state should not use words that can hurt the religious feelings of a large number of Muslim citizens of the country.

Mr. Farooq also said Bangladesh is a land of religious harmony and mutual respect. He said people of all religions have the right to follow their own faith and practice. He said Jamiat Ulema e Islam Bangladesh supports religious harmony, mutual tolerance and peaceful living together. But he said no one can make a remark acceptable in the name of harmony if it clashes with the basic belief of a religion.

The Jamiat president urged the President to rethink the part of his speech, withdraw it and give a clear explanation. He also urged everyone concerned, including people in the highest constitutional post of the state, to be more careful and responsible in the future when they speak on religious matters.

He also said everyone concerned must play a responsible role so that no remark or act that hurts religious feelings harms the religious harmony and the peaceful atmosphere of the country.