DHAKA: Islami parties will observe hartal on October 26 if the government does not arrest Latif Siddique, the minister of post, telecommunications and information technology, within October 15 for his derogatory remarks about holy hajj.

The leaders of the parties made the announcement at a press conference at the National Press Club.

On September 28 (Sunday), Latif Siddique demeaned Hajj in his speech while addressing a programme organized by Tangail Samity at a New York hotel in USA.

He opined that “Hajj is a waste of manpower. Those who perform hajj do not have any productivity”. They deduct from the economy, spend a lot of money abroad.

Pointing to Tablig Jamaat, he said Tablig Jamaat create huge traffic congestion in the name of Ijtima.

His derogatory comments sparked controversy in home and abroad.

According to media reports, the government on Tuesday took decision to drop him from the cabinet.

Meanwhile, at least seven cases were filed against him, two of which filed in the capital while three in Chittagong and one each in Sylhet and Barisal.

BDST: 1554 HRS, OCT 01, 2014