A delegation of prominent Islamic scholars and personalities today paid a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at Bangabhaban this afternoon.
The delegation was led by Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh Central Organising Secretary Maulana Mufti Bashirullah. Hefazat-e-Islam Joint Secretaries General Mufti Harun Izhar and Maulana Mir Idris Nadvi, Imam and Khatib of the mosque at the Prime Minister's Office Maulana Rafiqul Islam, Coordinator of the National Imam Khatib Council Maulana Faisal, and Publicity Secretary of Khatme Nabuwwat Bangladesh Maulana Afsar Mahmud were present, among others, President's Press Secretary Md. Sarwar Alam told BSS.
During the meeting, the President recalled the painful memories of terrible torture inflicted on prominent Islamic scholars and their unbearable imprisonment during the fascist regime.
"After the fall of autocracy, Almighty Allah has given us an opportunity to rebuild our country and we must utilise it collectively," he said.
He said everyone must remain vigilant and alert to ensure that fascist misrule never returns to the country and that no one can create confusion in the name of religion.
"Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia had great respect for Islamic scholars. Out of his deep regard for Islam, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman incorporated "Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim" into the Constitution," he added.
During the meeting, the delegation requested the President to utilise their Arabic language skills, communication abilities and personal connections to increase trade, business and investment and bring grant assistance from wealthy and developed countries in the Middle East.
The President advised them to maintain communication with the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant authorities and assured them of his cooperation in this regard.
The delegation invited the President to visit Hathazari Darul Ulum Madrasa in Chattogram and Al-Jamiatul Islamia Azizul Ulum Babunagar Madrasa in Fatikchhari.
The President expressed his interest in visiting the madrasas at a convenient time and meeting the Ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam.
President's Military Secretary and Press Secretary were present during the meeting.
