DHAKA, April 12, 2017 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday declared recognition of certificates of Dawrae Hadith under Qawmi Madrasa Education Boards as equivalent to Masters Degree in Islamic Studies and Arabic.
Sheikh Hasina made the announcement at a meeting with the alems-ulema of the Qawmi Madrasas at Ganabhaban here last night.
The recognition was given on the basis of basic principles of Darul Ulum Deobandh of India and maintaining separate characteristics of the Qawmi Madrasas, she said.
Chairman of Qawmi Madrasa Education Board-BEFAQ and Director General of Hathazari Darul Ulum Madrasa Allama Ahmed Shafi, President of the National Dinis Education Board Moulana Fariduddin, Vice Chairman of Qawmi Madrasa Education Board Moulana Ashraf Ali, Acting Secretary General of the board Moulana Abdul Quddus, Ittehadul Madarisil Qoumia, Chittagong Moulana Abdul Halim Bokhari and assistant Vice President of Befaqul Madarisil Arabia Bangladesh Moulana Noor Hossain Quasemi also spoke on the occasion.
Prime Minister’s Military Secretary Major General Mia Mohammad Joynul Abedin gave the welcome address.
The primer noted that there were many criticisms and negative comments by many people of other countries regarding Qawmi Madrasas. “But, I always protest this,” she said.
The prime minister said the education started in the country with Qawmi Madrasa. “We would have not been educated had Qawmi Madrasa not started and Dewbandh had role in anti-British movement,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said she always felt that Qawmi Madrasa Education should get recognition and that’s why a committee headed by Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi has been formed for streamlining Qawmi Madrasa Education.
“At first a gazette notification will be issued in this regard, later the Qawmi Madrasah Education would be brought under legal framework in the way you want,” he said, directing the concerned ministers, secretaries and other officials to take prompt steps so that this is implemented as soon as possible.
She also hoped that with such a step of recognizing the certificates, the future of the students of the Qawmi Madrasah would be more brightened and they would have more access in the competitive job market.
Sheikh Hasina said that the importance of Qawmi Madrasa is very much towards spreading Deen e Islam as there are some 74,000 Qawmi Madrasas across the country with some 14 lakh students.
The prime minister also urged the Alems and Ulemas to convince the youths and children so that they don’t step into the wrong path of terrorism and militancy adding that Islam is a religion of peace and this holy religion is now being maligned due to the terrorist and militant acts of some people.
Following the demand of the alem and ulema to remove the statue in front of the High Court, the premier said she doesn’t personally like that Greek Themesis.
“Such statue of Greek Themesis shouldn’t come to Bangladesh, and wearing a saree over that statue is a funny matter … I don’t know why such thing happened,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said that she would soon discuss the matter with the Chief Justice urging the alem-ulema to have patience in this matter. “Keep faith on me, I’ll do whatever necessary,” she said.
While talking about the new land act, she said the law is not being framed not to demolish any places of worships like mosques or temple. “Those who are saying this are telling wrong,” she said.
She also sought doa of the countrymen and alem-ulema so that her party could run the country successfully and thus maintain the continuity of development.
Later, Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi, conducted a munajat seeking continued peace, progress and prosperity of the country.