Bangladesh witnesses protest over remarks against Prophet Muhammad in India

Dhaka, Jun 16 (EFE).- Thousands of Muslims staged a fresh protest in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka on Thursday demanding that India arrest and punish members of its ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for their controversial remarks on Prophet Muhammad, the most revered figure in Islam.

The Islami Andolan Bangladesh party led a procession from the north gate of Biatul Mukarram National Mosque and marched towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka before they were intercepted by the police.

“We want the Indian government to arrest those who made derogatory remarks about the Prophet and give them exemplary punishment,” party spokesperson Shahidul Islam Khan told EFE.

“We also demand that the Bangladesh government pass a censure motion in parliament condemning the remarks and summon the Indian high commissioner to lodge a formal protest,” he added.

Khan said they handed over a memorandum meant for the Indian high commissioner in Dhaka to the police, who “promised us they would take it to the high commission.”

Mohammad Salahuddin Mia, the officer in charge of the Paltan police station in Dhaka, said the protest was peaceful.

“Some 6,000 people or more joined the protest. It ended peacefully. We took their memorandum and handed it to our colleagues in diplomatic action for the next step,” he said.

This was the second large protest in Bangladesh, home to the fourth-largest Muslim population, condemning the remarks of BJP leaders in India.

The Bangladesh government is yet to issue any formal statement on the matter.

BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma made disparaging remarks against Prophet Muhammad during a television debate in May, and former BJP Delhi media head, Naveen Kumar Jindal defended the comments on Twitter.

Their statements have triggered widespread protests and condemnation across the Muslim world.

At least two people were killed and dozens were injured in protests in India over the row on Saturday. EFE

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