United News of Bangladesh

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad has said that he is ready to make any sacrifice, but will not allow injustice, torture or oppression against Islamic scholars. He said the Prime Minister has instructed that madrasas should not be deprived and that no injustice should be done to them. “We are vocal in implementing this directive,” he added. The minister made the remarks at a discussion meeting on the preservation of raw hides of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, held at the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka. He said Islam has survived and will continue to survive through Islamic scholars, adding that no one can stop the spread of Islam or the operation of madrasas. He also said that unity among religious leaders could bring many positive changes in society. Referring to the importance of preserving animal hides, he said that in the past, hides were sometimes buried without being sold, which should not happen. He stressed the need to ensure proper skinning and preservation so that quality is maintained. The minister also warned against the activities of “leather syndicates and brokers” and said the government would take a firm stance against such practices. He added that Islamic scholars have played an important role in society and referred to their involvement in past political movements, including support for former president Ziaur Rahman during the 1979 referendum. He expressed his gratitude to the role of Qawmi scholars and ulamas in all democratic movements, including the great war of independence. The minister said that no government since independence had considered providing honorariums for imams and muezzins until Tarique Rahman took the initiative.  He added that, gradually, those working in mosques and other religious institutions across the country would be brought under the honorarium programme. Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad and Islamic Foundation Director General As Salam Khan also spoke at the event. Participants at the meeting, including madrasa teachers, imams, khatibs and Islamic scholars, urged the government to ensure fair prices for raw hides.