Islamic parties threaten govt with agitation
Want Latif arrest by tomorrow
Islamic parties and organisations yesterday gave an ultimatum to the government to rearrest sacked minister Abdul Latif Siddique by tomorrow. They warned that a tougher movement, including an indefinite hartal, would be launched if this was not done. This comes a day after the release of Latif, who obtained bail in all cases filed against him for hurting religious sentiment.
Ahmed Shafi, ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, a qaomi madrasa-based Islamic organisation, in a statement gave an ultimatum to rearrest the former post and telecommunications minister by Thursday.
Otherwise, Hefazat-e-Islam will stage demonstrations across the country on Friday, said the statement. Hefazat leaders accused the government of taking the side of atheists and deceiving Muslim devotees by releasing Latif, who made derogatory remarks against Islam.
The statement alleged that a conspiracy is being hatched to create instability in the country in a planned manner by using courts.
The leaders further said no atheist disrespectful of Islam would be spared and Hefazat would show zero tolerance in this regard.
Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish described Latif as an enemy of Prophet Mohammed (SM) and demanded his death penalty.
Maulana Mahfuzul Haque, secretary general of the organisation, made the demand while addressing a rally prior to a procession in the city. The city unit of Khelafat Majlish brought out the procession protesting the release of Latif.
Islami Oikya Jote also demanded Latifs rearrest by Thursday. Otherwise it would stage a demonstration on Friday and announce a greater programme, including hartal. The decision was taken at a party meeting at its Lalbagh office.
Latif was released on Monday afternoon days after he had obtained bail in all cases filed against him for hurting religious sentiment. On June 23, the High Court granted bail to Latif in 10 cases filed in Dhaka, Chittagong, Laxmipur and Chapainawabganj districts for his disparaging remarks on Hajj and Tablig Jamaat.
Besides, the court suspended all proceedings of the 10 cases for six months, and issued a rule seeking explanation as to why the proceedings should not be cancelled.
On May 25, the same HC bench granted bail to Latif in seven cases filed in Dhaka and Narayanganj for his remarks.
On September 28 last year, at a meeting with expatriates from Tangail in New York, Latif made the remarks about Hajj, one of the main pillars of Islam, and Tablig Jamaat. This triggered widespread criticisms both at home and abroad. Latif was dropped from the cabinet and expelled from the Awami League for his derogatory comments.
He was shown arrested on Nov 25 last year in one of the seven cases filed against him in Dhaka.
