Media reports strongly suggests that Abdul Latif Siddique a long serving veteran leader of Bangladesh Awami League and a senior Cabinet Member of Sheikh Hasina led present government is to have ignominious exit from the cabinet.
Video clipping now available on social media evidences of very objectionable statement against Hajj (one of the basic pillars of Islam), Tablig Jamaat (Largest Congregation of Muslims after hajj). He made very derogatory remarks about Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).
He also questioned about Sajeeb Wazed Joy, IT advisor to Prime Minster Sheikh Hasina is a program of NRBs in
USA a day after completion of the official program of Prime Minister’s entourage in USA.
Mr Latif was a member of Prime Ministers entourage in the Annual Meeting of United Nation General assembly. Very active and strong performance of PM Hasina in different important sessions earned great admiration of world leaders. But few milestones of Bangladesh got eclipsed from highly controversial statement of a cabinet member.
We are not aware what prompted such a senior politician representing the government abroad could talk so irresponsibly. The statement of Latif badly hurt the religious sentiment of predominantly a Sunni Muslims living in Bangladesh and we are sure being widely circulated in social media it enraged the worldwide Muslim Community.
PM Hasina who traveled to London on way back to Bangladesh has reportedly instructed party leaders for punitive action against the offender. Latif is reportedly removed from cabinet. He is now in Mexico as part of earlier
committed program.
We are Bangladeshis as a nation but most of us living in Bangladesh are practicing Muslims. Although our state religion is Islam Bangladesh is a secular democratic country where every religion is practiced freely and without interference. Any individual of any religion has choice of practicing or not practicing any religious rites.
But any one, especially a person representing the state or government must not make any comment which hurts the sentiments of any community. Knowingly or unknowingly, on his own or influenced by a vested quarter Latif has made the suicidal comments which has put the government in serious discomfort. He deserved major punishment and he has started getting it. PM Hasina will return home tomorrow .All eyes are on her to see what the extent of punishment Latif will get is.
Some instantaneous reactions were very much expected. Devoted Muslims have all the right to react. But many that possibly hardly sincere to anyone of the five pillars of Islam or never involved in Tablig Jamaat, also joined the chorus. As usual religion traders jumped into action almost declaring Jehad. One controversial writer now living in self-exile in India was quick to support Latif. Some parties threatened street agitations; some were planning to start fishing in troubled waters. But, very matured PM Hasina promptly took decision of removing him from cabinet and kept open ranges of other actions.
Bangladesh is passing through a very critical juncture of national life. After many years of staying in wilderness Bangladesh economy has reached a take off stage where stability will lead the country in achieving it vision of a medium income country by 2021.
Braving series of national and international conspiracies the government is proceeding with trials and punishment of the Criminals against humanity during liberation War of 1971 and terrorist acts at different stages.
A section of opposition politicians and beneficiaries of corrupt and criminal syndicates are on desperate mission to destabilize the nation. In this situation such controversial statement of key cabinet member of the ruling party must not be viewed as a one of isolated incident. It is definitely a part of deep rooted conspiracy.
Mere sacking of the Minster from the cabinet or canceling his primary membership from the party may not be enough. Some cases have already been filed against him. He should be brought under justice.
We are aware that though Bangabandhu favored secular democracy in Bangladesh he himself was a practicing Muslim. He created Islamic foundation, he led Bangladesh into OIC, sent people to Haj before getting recognition of KSA, allotted land for Tablig Jamaat in Tongi. PM Hasina performs all religious rites regularly and sincerely.
Against the will of some of her cabinet colleague she kept Islam as state religion and Bismillah in the constitution. So people must not listen to what some irresponsible persons talk about PM Hasina and her government about respect to Islam or for that matter any religion.
This is an opportunity for the Prime Minister to act as strong administrator. Latif is not the lone member of ruling elite who are overdoing or exploiting their positions. Few of them are talking loose and disgracing the government. We are sure PM is well aware of them. She must be relentless and uncompromising in dealing with the defaulters. We are interested to know what made her say a few days back “In Awami League only she cannot be purchased’’.
Let her be very frank and open to the people and nation now needs very committed and honest leadership. Let PM Hasina take some bold decisions in cleansing her cabinet and party of obnoxious weeds. Let charity begin from home.
BDST: 1855 HRS, SEP 01, 2014
