Staff Reporter :The Islamic parties want capital punishment to the detained and ousted Awami League leader Abdul Latif Siddiqui for his derogatory comments against Islam, Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SM) and the Tablig Jamaat. They also called for the introduction of ‘Blasphemy Law’ to punish those who insult Islam. Hefazat-e-Islam thanked the government for detaining Latif Siddiqui and called for ensuring capital punishment to him. The much-talked-about Chittagong based platform withdrew its hartal programme which was called for Thursday. The decision was taken at the meeting of the central committee of the platform held at Hathajari Madrasah in Chittagang on Tuesday evening with its chief Allamah Shah Ahmed Shafi in the chair, Azizul Haq Islamabadi, organising secretary of Hefazat-e-Islam, endorsed the information to the media.Earlier, Hefazat warned to enforce the shutdown, if the government does not arrest Latif Siddiqui by Wednesday. Allamah Ahmed Shafi however demanded capital punishment to Latif Siddiqui. Sammilito Islamic Dalsamuho, an alliance of several Islamic parties, issued a 10-day ultimatum for the government to take initiative to ensure capital punishment to Latif Siddiqui. They also demanded enactment of ‘Blasphemy Law’ during the current session of the Parliament. Otherwise, they would launch tougher street programme, they warned. The alliance made the warning after a meeting held at Lalbag in the city with Maulana Jafrullah Khan, member secretary of the alliance, in the chair. Meanwhile, Islami Oikya Jote (IOJ) brought out a procession in the city demanding capital punishment of Latif Siddiqui. Leaders of the party said that not only the arrest, the government has to take initiative to enact ‘Blasphemy Law’ to ensure capital punishment of Latif Siddiqui and other atheists. The party will hold a press conference at its office at Lalbag in the city to announce next course of action in this regard. Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) has also been demanding passing of the blasphemy law to punish those who insult Islam. The party will hold a grand rally in the city on December 5 in favour of their demand.
