Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said Islamic scholars and leaders (Alems) will not protest against the construction of Bangabandhu's sculpture as their five-point recommendation to be resolved through discussion. 

Government would not hurt anyone's religious sentiment or go beyond the constitution, he also said. 

The minister made the development before the reporters at his Secretariat office on Tuesday after holding a meeting with top Islamic leaders on Monday night.

Some 12 Islamic leaders led by Mahmudul Hasan, chairman of Befaqul Madarishil Arabia Bangladesh or Befaq, joined the talks held at the residence of home minister.

Religious affairs secretary and the state minister were present at the meeting.

Kamal said: "Upon discussion, top Islamic leaders of the country sent a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on December 5. Yesterday, they went to my home to discuss on that letter."

"We had a fruitful discussion and expect to do so in future. We believe the matter can be resolved through talks," he said.

The minister said Islamic leaders hold Bangabandhu in their hearts. "They recognize that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is a pure Muslim and carrying out her religious duties," he said.

When asked whether both parties reached to any solution in the meeting, Kamal said: "Talks have just begun. It will continue and we believe we can reach to an accord at the end."

The Islamic leaders agreed not to wage any protest or movement in public places that could create unrest in country. They also spoke against various social media propaganda which has been going for past few weeks.

"They put forward a five-point proposal and we have discussed a lot about that. Hopefully, it can be resolved all the way through conversation," he said.

BDST: 1710 HRS, DEC 15, 2020
AP/SMS