DHAKA, Dec 15, 2020 (BSS) – Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal
today said that the steps regarding resolving the sculpture related
issue will not go beyond the constitution and it will maintain
religious sentiment as well.
“We will not go beyond the constitution. I will not do anything
hurting someone’s religious feelings,” he said regarding the ongoing
sculpture related issue.
The minister made the remarks while replying to a volley of
questions of journalists at the secretariat here.
Top Islamic scholars (Alems) of the country met the home minister
on Monday night to discuss the latest developments on sculpture
related issue.
They went to the home minister’s house at Dhanmondi area here
around 9.30 pm and had a discussion with the minister for about an
hour.
Qawmi madrasa education board Befaqul Madarisil Arabia Bangladesh
(BEFAQ) President Mahmudul Hasan led the meeting on behalf of the
Islamic scholars. Twelve top Islamic scholars of the country took part
in the meeting.
State Minister for Religion and Secretary for Religion were present
at the meeting.
Asaduzzaman said: “The scholarly community is united so that no one
can create any kind of anarchy.”
They (scholarly community) said they would not wage any movement,
he said, adding that if there is any unconstitutional demand in their
demands, then there is no chance to accept them.
“Discussions with scholars have come a long way. Since we started
the discussion, you will soon see a fruitful result. The five
proposals they (scholars) have made will be discussed. We will not
hurt anyone’s religious feelings. Nothing will be done outside the
constitution,” he added.
“We think an amicable condition has been created as they have
agreed with us that no one should vandalize or disturb law and order,”
he said.
The minister also urged all to be vigilant to stop spreading
propaganda on social media including Facebook in this regard.
He said they (scholars) have said that they will not wage any
movement. They want to end the five proposals through negotiations and
have proposed to erect a ‘Minar’ instead of sculpture, he added.
Scholars are proposing to build a ‘Minar’ in the name of Father of
the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he said, adding that
discussions are going on about what will be done.
“But no decision has been taken so far to this end,” he informed.
Asked whether the sculpture would be removed or if the construction
would be halted, the home minister said discussions were underway.
“Bangabandhu’s sculpture is not being worshiped. Bangabandhu has
been sculpted so that generation after generation can remember him,”
he continued.
“We always valued the religious norms and practices and our prime
minister is a pious Muslim also,” he said.