Bangladesh is not compromising on the honour of the Prophet, Hasan Mahmud, Information Minister in the Sheikh Hasina government, said on Saturday. The Minister’s remarks came in the backdrop of continued protests in different parts of Bangladesh against the comments by two former BJP leaders on Prophet Muhammed. In a freewheeling discussion with a visiting team of Indian media professionals, Mr. Mahmud said Ms. Hasina acted promptly in containing communal flare-ups in Bangladesh last year and that India had invited the Prime Minister to pay a visit to New Delhi. He however did not provide a specific date for the visit of Ms. Hasina in July .
“It’s an internal issue of India and for Bangladesh it’s an external matter. Wherever such things happen, we condemn them. We are not compromising on the honour of the Prophet,” said Mr. Mahmud presenting the perspective of Bangladesh regarding the comments that have triggered a strong backlash from the West Asian countries. Mr. Mahmud said he would not like to instigate an issue regarding the derogatory comments and added, “Why should I ignite the issue? My job is not to ignite.” The Hindu had earlier reported that in view of the Prophet-related controversy in India, certain officials in Dhaka were considering that instead of the expected trip in July, Prime Minister Hasina could visit Delhi in September or even later depending on her schedule and convenience. Mr. Mahmud indicated at the packed schedule of Ms. Hasina in the coming weeks when her priorities will be on internal political and developmental initiatives.
