“Madrasah education system should be opened to all so that the minorities can receive it without changing their religions…it‘ll help minimise Islamophobia,” he said.

Zafrullah, a freedom fighter, made the remarks at a discussion at Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital in the city, marking the 140th birth anniversary of great national leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani.

Also read: Govt activities 'anti-democratic': Dr Zafrullah

About the current anti-statue movement, he questioned how alem-ulema dared take to the streets. “Who has brought them out to the field? It’s also a history.”

Like other heads of governments, Zafrullah said, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina congratulated American President-elect Joe Biden. “All but Hasina received replies from him. Biden knows her (Hasina’s) government is not a democratic one. So, the hujurs (alems) have been brought out to the field to draw (Biden’s) attention.”

Also read: Trash Digital Security Act: Zafrullah to PM

He said Islamic scholars are knowledgeable people but many times they are one-eyed ones, and now they are on a movement against idols and sculptures.

The freedom fighter called upon people to initiate a movement for realising people’s rights and ensure justice backing off from the anti-sculpture movement.

Also read: Reconsider restriction on public gatherings: Zafrullah

He criticised Awami League for not observing Bhasani’s birth anniversary.  

“It can’t be acceptable that you’ll talk about the Independence and the Liberation War without remembering Maulana Bhasani and Tajuddin. Erasing the names of those who have done something for the country is the nature of autocratic governments as they want to make only one person great,” Zafrullah observed.

Also read: Govt itself incites alem-ulema to agitate: Zafrullah