Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday called upon imams
to remain vigilant against the vested quarters so that they cannot create
anarchy and terrorism or instigate militancy by misinterpreting Islam.
“I firmly believe that you will play a pivotal role for the welfare of the
country by using your knowledge earned through training and spreading the
spirit and teachings of Islam in society,” she said.
The Prime Minister said this while inaugurating the National Imam
Conference-2009 organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and UNFPA at the
Osmani Memorial Auditorium here on Wednesday morning.
Describing Islam as the religion of peace and tranquility, she said the imams
have a greater role to play for maintaining peace and harmony in society.
Keeping this in mind, the present government wants to involve them in its
programs for the welfare of the people and society, she added.
Sheikh Hasina said the greatest Bengali of all times, Father of the Nation
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, took elaborate programs for the enhancement
and flourish of Islam as well as for the development of the Muslim people in
the country.
Bangabandhu established Islamic Foundation on March 22, 1975, allocated land on
the bank of the River Turag for Biswa Ijtema, established Bangladesh Madrasa
Education Board and took steps for extension of Kakrail Jame Masjid.
Sheikh Hasina, however, regretted that the anti-liberation forces who could not
accept Bangladesh’s independence tried their best to brand Bangabandhu and
Awami League as anti-Islamic force. She said those, who ruled the country and
led politics in different times thereafter in the name of Islam, repealed all
epoch-making Islamic steps of Bangabandhu. Even, they gave license to produce
liquor in the country, she added.
The Prime Minister called upon the imams and all religious leaders to project
their activities and unveil their masks before the people for the interest of
just and truth.