Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League (AL) Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud today said that the religious Islam entered Bangladesh in a peaceful way holding the hands of Islamic spiritual leaders (wali-awlia).
"Islam came to our country on the path of peace, holding the hands of the sufi saints. Not through any war. Our country is peaceful for people of all faiths," he told an Iftar mahfil as the chief guest in the city.
Islamic Front Bangladesh, a political organization of Islamic scholars, organized the programme at a city hotel this evening with its Chairman Allama Syed Bahadur Shah Mojaddedi in the chair.
Workers Party of Bangladesh President Rashed Khan Menon and Islami Oikya Jote Chairman Misbahur Rahman Chowdhury spoke at the function, among others.
Dr Hasan said, "Wali-Awliya are the respectful people. Those who don't respect them are associates of BNP. They create chaos, which is never acceptable".
What Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina has done for Islam, no other government or anyone did that after Bangabandhu, he said, adding that at the directives of the Prime Minister, one lakh mosque-based schools have been established across the country, where teachers get a monthly allowance of Taka 5,200.
The mosques which have been built and are being constructed at district and upazila levels across the country at the directives of Sheikh Hasina are eye soothing, Dr Hasan said, adding, "Though Ershad and Khaleda Zia begged votes making commitment of giving recognition to Qaumi Madrasah education, they did not recognize it. But Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina did it. And many of them (Qaumi Madrasah students) got government jobs after this recognition".
Rashed Khan Menon in his speech urged all to serve the country with honesty and patriotism.
Before the Iftar, a special munajat was offered seeking welfare for the country and the nation.
SOURCE: BANGLADESH SANGBAD SANGSTHA