Amid harsh criticism on recent comments on hajj Posts and Telecommunications Minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui has said, he is firm in his comments.
Latif is not at all thinking to withdraw his recent comments on hajj, he told the BBC Bangla.
However, he said that he would only withdraw if Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina orders him, BBC Bangla reported around 11.30pm on Tuesday.
In an interview with BBC Bangla from Mexico, Latif said he expressed his opinion as an Independent and modern human being.
He also said that resigning from the post due to pressure is out of question.
“I will only follow the instructions of PM,” he added.
Latif said, "I opined as per my beliefs, someone could hurt and I am also disrespected by some slanderous remarks recently."
According to reports from several private TV channels, the government has decided to remove Posts and Telecommunications Minister Abdul Latif Siddique from the cabinet amid controversy following his comments on hajj.
However, our Special Correspondent Mohosinul Karim said from the secretariat no decision was taken yet to remove Siddique from the cabinet.
On Sunday, Siddique made comments on hajj while addressing a reception arranged by the Tangail expatriates in New York.
The minister’s comments on hajj have sparked controversy in home and abroad.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's special envoy HM Ershad has demanded arrest of Posts and Telecommunications Minister Abdul Latif Siddique for his 'defamatory' remarks on hajj.
In a statement on Tuesday, Jatiya Party Chairman Ershad demanded Latif Siddique’s immediate arrest for his remarks belittling Islam and hurting the religious sentiment of Muslims.
Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat has also demanded the arrest of Latif Siddique for his remarks on hajj.
