Bangladesh PM says writing against religion won't be tolerated

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said hurting religious sentiments of others by writing something is not acceptable.

“We perform our religious rituals. But why should we tolerate anyone writing filthy words against our religion?” she questioned.

The PM was addressing the Awami League leaders and workers on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh at the Gono Bhaban on Thursday.

She said writing something against religion as part of freethinking has become a “fashion” nowadays.

“I don't consider such writings as freethinking but filthy words. Why would anyone write such words? It's not at all acceptable if anyone writes against our prophet or other religions…. I hope no one would write such filthy words.”

Hasina questioned why the government would take the responsibility of an untoward incident if that occurred due to such writings.

About the killings out of vengeance for such writings, she said Islam does not permit it and Almighty Allah does not bestow the duty of trial on them (killers).

“If anyone doesn't abide by the guidance of Almighty Allah and his prophet and thus kills people, it is 'Shirk'. I hope no one would get involved in such an activity,” she added.

About the criticism of some quarters and individuals of the government restrictions on open air programmes after 5:00pm on Pahela Baishakh, she said the measures were taken on security grounds.

“We've the responsibility to ensure security of the citizens. I hope everyone will abide by the guidance about the security measures.”

She took a swipe at an eminent citizen for venting his anger on the restrictions. “I want to say whether that person would shoulder the responsibility if any untoward incident occurred.”

Greeting everybody, including the expatriate Bangladeshis, on Pahela Baishakh, she said everyone needs to exercise tolerance as it is essential for the country's development.

She hoped the pace of socio-economic development in various fields will continue. She noted that her government for the first time in the country's history has introduced Baishakhi allowance for the public servants.

Mentioning that the Bangalis observe the first day of the Bengali New Year as Pahela Baishakh with festivity, she said some term it “Hinduism”.

“Despite being Muslims, we're Bangalis also. We should not forget that we've liberated our country after fighting against the occupation forces as Bangalis. It's not like that we can't be Muslims, being Bangalis.”

Earlier, central leaders of the ruling party greeted the PM, also the AL chief, with bouquets.

Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, AL presidium member Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, Sahara Khatun and Satish Chandra Roy were present, among others.

The guests were treated with traditional sweetmeats and fruits.