Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has called on the daily Prothom Alo to apologise to the nation for publishing a cartoon that, according to him, mocked the holy occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

In a Facebook post on Monday (April 14), he said the cartoon, published on the front page of Prothom Alo’s 30 March edition, showed a dog next to the words "Eid Mubarak," which he described as "a strange and offensive act."

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said, "Prothom Alo did not hesitate to mock a sacred act of worship like Eid. This is not only unacceptable but also highly disrespectful."

He also referred to a previous incident involving the same newspaper, saying, "Earlier, its editor Matiur Rahman publicly apologised by holding the hand of the Khatib of Baitul Mukarram over an issue related to disrespecting the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Their mindset and attitude are extremely disgraceful."

He demanded that the cartoon be withdrawn and Prothom Alo apologise to the nation.

Many Islamic scholars and general citizens have expressed anger over the cartoon. They said using a dog in an Eid greeting is deeply offensive to religious sentiments and called it an act of disrespect to Islam. They also demanded legal action against those responsible and urged the government to consider banning the newspaper.

BDST: 1735 HRS, April 14, 2025
MSK