Muslim clerics, police co-op can curb terrorism

Muslim clerics and police yesterday viewed that terrorism could be eliminated in the country if these two groups cooperate with each other and work together.

They said Islam had been misinterpreted over and over again for political benefits by vested groups and there were conspiracies to establish Bangladesh as a den of terrorists, including of the global terror outfit Islamic State.

They added that anti-terrorism sermons at mosques, madrasas and other religious institutions as well as during Waz mahfils (preaching sessions) all over the country would be effective to fight terrorism.

The Bangladesh Police arranged an opinion sharing meeting on "Misinterpretation of Islam, terrorism and fanaticism" at the capital's Krishibid Institution.

Police have already exchanged views between themselves and with Muslim clerics in several places in the last couple of weeks and such events will take place across the country gradually.

The series of discussions is a part of a national campaign in which teachers are supposed to brief students on the scourge of terrorism on a regular basis and imams will deliver anti-terrorism sermons before the Juma prayers at mosques.

At yesterday's meeting, Bangladesh Jamiatul Ulema Parishad Chairman Maulana Fariduddin Masud said seeking assistant of Alem-Ulema by law enforcers was a positive move.

He called for stopping giving wrong interpretations of Islam and spread of provocative speeches at Waz mahfils.

He blamed Jamaat-e-Islami for misinterpreting Islam in the sub-continent first and using the religion as a tool of fanaticism. He demanded a ban on the political party.

Maulana Abdur Razzak of Madinatul Ulum Madrasa at Tejgaon said Islam was a religion of peace and every Muslim had to work to establish the true essence of Islam.

Maulana Muhammad Mazharul Islam, khatib of Karwan Bazar Jam-e-mosque, said Islam did not support killing of people in the name of religion.

Speaking as chief guest, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said the prime minister had given directives that the government would not do anything going beyond Quran and Sunnah.

Denying IS existence in the country, the home boss claimed that recent killings of foreigners and attacks on pastors and places of worship were committed through "contracts".

He claimed that the country's militant outfits had their roots in Jamaat.

Food Minister Kamrul Islam said sermons would be more effective than the government's initiative to curb terrorism.

Without mentioning any name, he blamed international conspirators to establish Bangladesh as a country of terrorists.