Different Islamist parties yesterday brought out a protest procession from the capital’s Baitul Mukarram mosque after Jum’a prayers, demanding capital punishment of minister Abdul Latif Siddique for his recent comments on hajj, Prophet Muhammad (SM) and Tablighi Jamaat.
Under the banner of Sammilita Islami Dalsamuho, several Islamist parties including Hefazat-e-Islam, Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Bangladesh Tarikat Federation brought out the procession from north gate of the national mosque which paraded Paltan and Motijheel areas of the city and staged demonstrations. Police and RAB members were also deployed in the areas to avoid any untoward situation.
The protesters chanted slogans demanding the arrest and capital punishment of Latif Siddique for his derogatory comments, hurting religious sentiment of Muslims.
While addressing the protest programme, Secretary General of Sammilita Islami Dalsamuho Muhammad Zafrullah Khan warned of enforcing a nationwide shut-down on October 26 if the government fails to arrest Latif within October 15. On September 28, Latif Siddique made the comments at a view-exchange meeting with expatriates from Tangail in New York.
Meanwhile in Narayanganj, local leaders of Hefazat-e-Islam declared a Tk5 lakh bounty on the head of minister Latif Siddique, reports UNB.
They came up with the announcement at a rally arranged by the Islamist group’s district unit on the Railway Jam-e Masjid premises in the city’s DIT commercial area.
The only punishment Latif deserves for his insulting remarks is “beheading in public,” the Hefazat leaders said, announcing that an amount of Tk5 lakh will be given to the person who will be able to bring his head.
Acting ameer of district Hefajat Abdul Quader, its leaders Mufti Shahidullah, Maulana Ferdausur Rahman, district BNP President Advocate Taimur Alam Khandaker and city Jubo Dal convener Maksudul Alam Khandaker, among others, spoke at the programme.
In his speech, Abdul Quader said the devout Muslims will bring Abdul Latif to justice if the government does not try him for his crimes. “He will be awarded a harsh punishment after setting up a court at Mukti Sharani in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj.”
