Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis MP from Madaripur-1 Sayed Uddin Ahmad Hanzala on Wednesday demanded legislation in Parliament introducing the death penalty for insulting the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), alongside a law to declare those who reject the Prophet as non-Muslims.
He made the demands taking part in the discussion on the motion of thanks on the President's speech in Parliament.
The MP drew the attention of Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman to the issue, saying millions of Ulema were watching Parliament closely and urged lawmakers to reflect their “voice and expectations” through legislation.
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Reciting several verses of Surah Al-Ahzab, Hanzala said, “The Prophet of Allah (PBUH) is part of my faith. He is the last prophet, which is declared in the Holy Quran. But sadly, I have to say there is such a party in Bangladesh, a section of which denies the Prophet (PBUH) but claims to be Muslims.”
“I would like to tell the Honourable Prime Minister that you will get a place in history if those who deny the Prophet (PBUH) are recognised as not Muslims through you. We want this to be declared by the National Parliament of Bangladesh through law.”
Hanzala continued: “I would like to say those who insult the Prophet (PBUH) and abuse the name of the Prophet should be given the death penalty. This law should also be passed by this Parliament."
During his speech, he demanded the trial for the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson for the Inqilab Mancha. “Hadi spoke for justice. He wanted to establish justice. He wanted to make Bangladesh beautiful. That dream has been stopped in the middle of the road. If justice is not delivered for his murder, no one will be able to provide security for people like us.”