Attempt to Create Controversy over Prime Minister: Investigation Demanded over ‘Book on Homosexuality’ Given to Hafiz Students
The National Ulama Alliance has expressed deep concern over the recent incident in which a book by homosexual author Yuval Noah Harari, Nexus, was handed to Quran Hafiz students at a ceremony honoring them.
In a statement sent to the media on Saturday, the organization’s Convener, Maulana Ashraf Uddin Mahdi Azhari, and Member Secretary, Maulana Sanaullah Khan, said the Prime Minister deserves praise for taking the initiative to honor Quran Hafizs. However, they said the incident of handing a book on homosexuality to young Hafiz students at such an important event cannot simply be dismissed as an isolated incident. They said it must be investigated how and through whom a book by an openly homosexual author reached the Hafizs. Whether there was any motive or plan behind it must also be clarified through an investigation.
In the statement, they said that for a long time, various forms of advocacy, publications and cultural activities centered on LGBT issues and homosexuality have been observed in different spheres in Bangladesh. They said the relevant authorities need to be more vigilant about what kinds of books and materials are being given to children and adolescents in madrasas and schools.
The two leaders further said that the incident of such a book being handed to Hafiz students at an event attended by a person at the highest level of the state, such as the Prime Minister, has naturally raised questions. If there was any attempt to create controversy around the Prime Minister, those involved must be identified. And if it was an undesirable mistake at the administrative or organizational level, it is still necessary to make it clear to the nation whose negligence led to the incident.
The two leaders said the Holy Quran gives a clear account of the people of Prophet Lot (AS). Allah has condemned their vile and transgressive acts. Therefore, they said, giving young people in Muslim-majority Bangladesh any book that presents homosexuality as normal or acceptable is a matter of serious concern.
The leaders of the National Ulama Alliance called on the government to immediately investigate the matter and disclose who selected and distributed the book and through what process it reached the Hafiz students.
