Hefazat wants immediate removal of Greek 'idol' from SC premises

Radical Islamist platform Hefazat-e-Islam has once again demanded the immediate removal of a sculpture on the grounds of the country’s highest court, claiming it to be a Greek idol. Leaders of the Qawmi madrasa-based group that eyes Shariah Law in the country made the demand following a press conference at the Chittagong Press Club on Saturday morning. To press home their demand, the Hefazat leaders have announced that they would submit a memorandum to the prime minister and the chief justice on February 14. They have also declared to stage demonstrations and bring out processions from Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and Chittagong Anderkillah Shahi Mosque following Jumma prayers on February 24. Hefazat Organising Secretary Azizul Haque Islamabadi read out the statement at the press conference on behalf of Secretary General Junaid Babunagari. Hefazat joint secretary generals Md Fayejullah and Mainuddin Ruhi also attended the conference. Terming it anti-Islamic and obscene, Babunagari claimed that this is not a sculpture. “It is an idol. Moreover, it is the idol of a goddess. "As per the tenets of Islam, one cannot remain a Muslim if one believes the goddess is a symbol of justice. Only the Holy Qur’an can be the symbol of justice,” he has said, adding that they are not against arts or sculptures. “Sculptures can be installed but should represent the history, culture and traditions of a Muslim-majority country. We are not against the installation of sculptures like the Qur’an, paddy, jute or Mecca and Madina,” he said. Babunagari also said that erecting the Lady Justice idol on the Supreme Court premises violates sections 2(A) and 23 of the Constitution. The sculpture portrays ancient Greek Goddess Themis, holding a scale and a sword to represent the law and undisputed order. Themis comes from a Green world meaning “divine law” rather than human ordinance. According to Hesiod, she was the second wife of Zeus, a marriage that helped Zeus to stabilise his power over all gods and humans.