Dhaka: Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis MP from Madaripur-1, Sayed Uddin Ahmad Hanzala, on Wednesday called for the introduction of legislation in Parliament that would impose the death penalty for insulting the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He also urged for a law to identify those who reject the Prophet as non-Muslims.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Hanzala made these demands during a discussion on the motion of thanks on the President's speech in Parliament. He directed his appeal to Prime Minister and Leader of the House, Tarique Rahman, emphasizing that millions of Ulema were observing the proceedings closely. Hanzala urged lawmakers to reflect the 'voice and expectations' of these religious scholars through legislative action.
Reciting verses from Surah Al-Ahzab, Hanzala stated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is integral to his faith and highlighted the Quranic declaration of him as the last prophet. He expressed concern about a political party in Bangladesh, parts of which, he claimed, deny the Prophet (PBUH) while professing to be Muslims.
Hanzala urged the Prime Minister to make history by ensuring that those who deny the Prophet (PBUH) are officially recognized as non-Muslims by the National Parliament of Bangladesh. He called for a legal declaration to this effect.
Furthermore, Hanzala advocated for a law mandating the death penalty for those who insult or misuse the name of the Prophet, stressing that this should be enacted by Parliament.
In his speech, Hanzala also demanded justice for the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson for the Inqilab Mancha. He described Hadi as a proponent of justice who aimed to improve Bangladesh, lamenting that Hadi's vision was cut short. Hanzala warned that without justice for Hadi's murder, the safety of individuals like him would remain at risk.