Arrest Latif, or face hartal: Islamic parties
An alliance of different Islamic parties reiterated its threat to call a daylong hartal (shutdown) for October 26 if the government fails to arrest ex-minister Abdul Latif Siddique for his comments that “hurt Muslims’ religious sentiments.”
It issued October 22 deadline to arrest Latif Siddique, Zafrullah Khan, spokesperson and also secretary general of the alliance, said in a press briefing at Dhaka Reporters Unity today, Bangla daily Prothom Alo reports.
“Otherwise, hartal on October 26,” Zafrullah said.
He said sermons will be delivered at all mosques throughout the country against those who demean religion. “Protest rallies will be held on October 21.”
The alliance earlier on October 1 threatened the government with imposing the hartal if Latif is not arrested in 15 days.
The Islamist groups within the alliance include Khilafat Majlis, Khilafat-e-Islam, Islami Oikya Jote, Nejam-e-Islam, Muslim League and Hefajat-e-Islam.
Zafrullah is also the joint secretary general of Hefazat-e-Islam representing the Islamist groups which composes of several Islamic parties of the BNP-led alliance.
Yesterday, a Dhaka court issued arrest warrant against Latif for failure to respond a summon in a case field for hurting religious sentiments.
Latif drew widespread flak both at home and abroad for his “derogatory” comments in London over hajj, Tablighi Jamaat, prime minister’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and journalists.
He was stripped of his ministerial position, party’s presidium post and suspended of his primary membership in the Awami League. The party later issued a show cause notice seeking explanation as to why he would not be expelled in view of his remarks.
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