PM for halting Muslim sectarian war

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday put emphasis on stopping sectarian war among the Muslims, saying that it ultimately benefits the arms traders.

"We're fighting among ourselves in different parts of the world and the arms traders are ultimately benefitting from it ... this (war) must be halted and the problem will have to be solved through discussion," she said.

The prime minister made the remarks when visiting Saudi Majalis Ash-Shura Speaker Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Ale-Al-Sheikh called on her at her office here this afternoon.

After the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters.

Referring to violence among various sects of the Muslims, the prime minister lamented that hundreds of people are being killed and the Muslims are taking refuge in other countries. "It's a matter of shame and we've to convince the misguided people to end this conflict," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said almighty Allah will deliver the last judgment. "So why this division of the Muslims, like Shia and Sunni ... this (division) must be stopped," she said.

The prime minister said the misguided people who think that they would go to haven by carrying out suicide attacks would go to hell.

The Saudi speaker said some people are being misguided in exchange for money and such problems exist among the youths in all countries. "Division is being created by taking this advantage," he said.

In this regard, Dr Abdullah said ulema (religious scholars) will have to play a role in convincing the misguided people about the true spirit of Islam.

Referring to the Arabic Islamic American Historical Summit to be held in Riyadh on May 21, he said the problems of the Muslims would be discussed in the summit.

The Saudi Majlis Ash-Shura speaker conveyed the greetings of Saudi King and Custodian of two Holy Mosques Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to the prime minister.

He said the Saudi King hoped that the brotherly relations between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh would be strengthened further.

The Saudi speaker said the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Saudi Arabia and his current tour to Bangladesh would further deepen the bilateral ties.

Sheikh Hasina said Saudi Arabia has a special place in the hearts of all Bangladeshis and they have emotional attachment as the two holy mosques are there.

The Saudi speaker briefed the premier about structure of Saudi Majlish Ash-Shura and informed her that the parliament has 30 women lawmakers who are highly educated with Phd degrees.

BH Harun, MP, Senior PMO Secretary Suraiya Begum and Saudi Ambassador in Dhaka Abdullah H. M. Al-Mutairi were present on the occasion.

Source: bss