Latif’s remarks not acceptable: PM

Awami League chief and premier Sheikh Hasina today said Latif Siddique’s remarks on hajj and Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) are not acceptable in any way.

“We believe in secularism. But that does not mean we are irreligious. What Latif Siddique has said is an evil act. I don’t know why did he make such statements?” 

The prime minister made the remarks in her introductory speech at a meeting of the AL Central Working Committee, the highest decision-making body of the ruling party.

The meeting has been convened to determine the fate of AL presidium member Latif Siddique who earlier in the day was removed from the cabinet for the remarks.

About Latif’s removal, she said he has been relieved from the cabinet post following the constitutional provisions.

The meeting of Awami League Central Working Committee began around 6:45pm at Hasina’s official residence Gono Bhaban with her in the chair.

ALCWC is expected to decide the fate of the party’s presidium member Abdul Latif Siddique.

Latif’s destiny in AL will be decided today though the issues like organisational activities of the party and the country's prevailing political situation have been the main agenda of the meeting, a policymaker of the party told The Daily Star.

"In line with the decision of the meeting, a show-cause notice will be served to Latif, asking him to clarify his stance over the recent comments on Hajj and the prophet," a central working committee member said seeking anonymity. 

WHAT THE MINISTER SAID

At the programme organised by the Tangail Samity at a New York hotel, Latif said he was against hajj and Tabligh Jamaat more than he was against the Jamaat-e-Islami.

"Hajj is a waste of manpower. Those who perform hajj do not have any productivity. They deduct from the economy, spend a lot of money abroad.

"If 1,00,000 people perform hajj every year on an average and spend Tk 5 lakh each, then the total cost stands at Tk 500 crore," he said.

Speaking about the history of hajj, he said Prophet Muhammad was worried about the people of Arab as they were robbers. The prophet then made an arrangement that his followers meet at a place every year, which will generate income.

Criticising Tabligh Jamaat, he said, "Tabligh Jamaat brings together about 20 lakh people every year. It has no specific duties. It just clogs traffic across the country."

Latif also castigated Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, saying, "Why do you often mention of Joy? Who is Joy Bhai? Joy is nobody in the government. He cannot make any decision."