Didn’t say anything on demolishing sculpture, says Islami Andolon chief

Islami Andolon Bangladesh today toned down its aggressive stance against sculptures, saying they have not expressed any opinion for demolition of sculptures.

"We have logically opposed sculptures. But we didn't make any comment on the demolition of sculptures or idols. It is completely illegal if anyone gets involved in this," IAB Ameer Syed Mohammad Rezaul Karim said at a press conference at its central office in the capital.

In a written statement, he said in their hearts, religious people can be against the construction of sculptures.

"But it is the responsibility of the authority whether they will pay heed to it or not," he also said.

The party came up with this statement a day after Hefajat-e-Islam Ameer Junayed Babunagari and two others were sued for sedition yesterday.

Asked about the vandalising of the sculpture of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Kushtia, Rezaul Karim said, "We have only expressed our opinion on sculptures from the Islamic point of view. We didn't make any provocative comment or statement on damaging the sculpture."

He also said, "We support the government stance to take actions against the responsible persons through proper investigation."

In the briefing, the IAB chief demanded the withdrawal of the sedition cases.

Besides, the party also demanded to bring those to book who are insulting the clerics by publishing satirical cartoons.

He said if the government fails to stop the excesses and provocative activities of their privileged extremist supporters and conspiring forces against the country, then the religious-minded people will be forced to build resistance against them.