Would remove all sculptures if I could, says Hefajat leader Maulana Mamunul Haque

Hefajat-e-Islam leader Maulana Mamunul Haque today said he would remove all the sculptures in the country if he had the legal, moral and political capacity.

Mamunul, joint secretary general of the Qawmi madrasa-based platform, further said their stance was against sculptures, not against Bangabandhu in any way.

"I fully respect Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the great leader of the country's Liberation War and pray for the salvation of his departed soul. I never in any way oppose such a national leader and I don't think it is appropriate to do so," Mamunul, also secretary general of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, said at a press conference at the Majlish's office in the capital.

Mamunul said he would continue to oppose installation of any sculptures in the country.

"I don't want to get involved in any fight against the state or the government but it [the government] should not take any step that is reckless and can endanger the lives of people as well as their property," he added.

Earlier this month, Mamunul had sparked outrage by reportedly speaking against the sculptures of Bangabandhu. He skipped a Hefajat programme in Chattagram on November 27 amid demonstrations by ruling party activists.

Hefajat once again came under the spotlight after Junayed Babunagari became its new Amir following the death of Shah Ahmed Shafi in September.

Under the new leadership, Hefajat became vocal on various issues including installation of Bangabandhu's sculpture in the capital's Jurain.

The government has been arguing that sculptures and idols are not the same as many Muslim countries have those.