'Prepare Qawmi madrasa curriculum quickly'

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed the religious affairs minister to take initiatives for reconstitution of the commission to prepare a curriculum for Qawmi madrasas.

"We have constituted the commission by issuing a gazette. Its work will have to be completed quickly by extending time and incorporating more members, if necessary," she said.

Sheikh Hasina added: "I would take necessary measures ... and I would tell the religious affairs minister, who is here, to take initiatives to this end."

The prime minister gave the directives while addressing an ulema (religious scholars) conference at Krishibid Institution, Bangladesh at Farmgate here on Thursday.

Bangladesh Jamiatul Ulema, a social organization of ulema, mashaikh and aimma established with a commitment to constitute an enlightened society, arranged the conference titled "Terrorism and Militancy in Islam's Outlook and Our Steps".

Sheikh Hasina said her government has formed the commission to provide certificates to Qawmi madrasa students on the basis of the curriculum to be prepared by the commission.

"But it's a matter of regret that Qawmi madrasas could not reach a consensus in this regard as they are divided into five boards ...but I think it's time for all to be united as a big attack was made on the religion this time," she said.

The premier said it is better to prepare a curriculum for Qawmi madrasa by all. "But I would tell those who want to accept it to reach a consensus in this regard," she said.

Pointing out the establishment of the Arabic University in the country, Sheikh Hasina said this university has been set up to provide higher education and certificates to the Qawmi madrasa students. 

"We want that through it, they would get job at home and abroad ... we want to create such a scope for them. So, those who want it should reach a consensus, so that we could start the work of implementation," she said.

"Then, we would be able to give certificates from the Arabic University. But a (minimum) curriculum is needed to provide certificates. Otherwise, on which basis the education would be imparted to award certificates," she said.

Seeking cooperation of all to this end, the premier said it's very much needed at this time so that the government can start the work on providing certificates fast.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was present at the function as the special guest, while Religious Affairs Minister Alhaj Principal Motiur Rahman presided over the function.

President of Bangladesh Jamiatul Ulema Maulana Farid Uddin Masud delivered the welcome address.

Chief of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission Swami Dhrubeshando Maharaj, Arch Bishop Patrick D'Rozario, President of Bouddha Krishti Prachar Sangha Shudhdhanando Mohathero as well as ambassadors and high commissioners of different countries were present on the occasion. 

The conference was arranged on the occasion of handing over 'fatwa' of peace for the welfare of the mankind to the prime minister.

The fatwa with signatures of one lakh mufti, ulema and aimma was collected under the supervision of Allama Farid Uddin Masud, the Grand Imam of Sholakia, Koshoreganj.

Source: BSS