PM Hasina urges to find those who patronise militancy

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged to find those who patronise militancy and provide arms and funds.

Her call came on Wednesday during a ceremony to award university students with the 'Prime Minister Gold Medal.'

Speaking at the programme, she said that militancy is now a spate not only in Bangladesh, but many other countries, especially the Muslim-majority ones.

"The thing is, who are providing them with arms? Who are giving them money and patronising them?" she asked while addressing the audience at the prime minister's office.

"Students are being radicalised after going to developed countries for studies. It's the same case for some educational institutions here."

She told the audience, which included VCs and teachers of universities, to keep an eye on students; whether they are attending classes regularly as well as their activities outside the classrooms.

"I wonder, how children who come from educated and well-off families get radicalised and choose the path of militancy! I just don't get it."

Islam is the 'religion of peace', said Hasina adding, "It does not say to kill innocent people. Then how is it possible to go to heaven by killing innocent people."

She said that the people of Bangladesh believes in religion and practices it, but they are not radicals. "Everyone in this country is free to practice their religions. Bangladesh has been built on the spirit of communal harmony."

On Wednesday, a total of 233 students, who received the 'Prime Minister Gold Medal' in 2013 and 2014, were handed over the awards.