Information Minister Hasanul Huq Inu has said the statement of Abdul Latif Siddique was his own and that he alone would bear responsibility for it. The government has nothing to do with it.
The minister through telephonic call from Meena, Saudi Arabia, where he is performing the Holy Hajj, clarified the position of the government.
"What he had said in a discussion with the Tangail Association of New York is absolutely his personal opinion. The government has nothing to do with it," the minister added.
He also said the head of government Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken prompt action against the person concerned and has not only relieved him of his ministerial responsibility but also of the party, therefore there is no scope to create confusion about it.
He also said a number of ministers have already clarified the position of the government about it. The minister also mentioned that the government was respectful of all religions and religious sensitivities and it would not tolerate any deviation.
This year, almost 100, 000 persons from Bangladesh are performing the Holy Hajj and the minister for religious affairs is supervising it, personally, he added.
He wished every pilgrim a Happy Hajj and conveyed Eid greetings to all.