Tougher action against militancy: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today warned of tougher action against terrorism and militancy in the country.

“Islam is a religion of peace. Islam doesn’t support killing of people. We cannot let anyone demean Islam,” she said.

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She was addressing a rally organised by Islamic Foundation marking its founding anniversary at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka this afternoon.

Hasina also praised Saudi Arabia's King Salman as he formed a military alliance to fight terrorism and militancy and said her government will work with the country to combat the acts of terrorism.

She also expressed her gratitude to the vice president of Masjid al Haram and Masjid e Nabawi and imam of Masjid e Nabawi in KSA and to the people including Alem-Olema who attended the rally.

Claiming that Islam believes in peace, Hasina called upon Alem-Olema to spread out words of peace across the country as well as the world, upholding real teaching of Islam so that none can dare to stigmatise Islam.

Hasina, also president of ruling Awami League, said religious people across the world are being harassed due to groups of vested quarters as they (vested quarter) are creating loopholes, tagging militancy with Islam.

Hasina also called upon all to be vocal against militancy and said Bangladesh will stay beside those who will stand against militancy and terrorism.

The prime minister said a group of people started business centring Islam after the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975. But Awami League ensured significant progress in Islam after 21 years of the assassination, she claimed.

Arms traders make profit when militancy and terrorism spread out across the world, Hasina said.

She also commemorated the law enforcers and civilians who died in drives at different militant hideouts in the country and sought the eternal peace of the departed souls.