Panel to check comments on Islam, Prophet

The government on Wednesday formed a nine-member committee to identify and take action against those making derogatory remarks against Islam and Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) using Facebook and blogs.

Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Abul Kalam Azad said Mainuddin Khandakar, an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home, has been made the head of the committee on the directive of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He added that the home ministry would take necessary action on the basis of the recommendations of the committee.

The committee could take help from experts and give secretarial support to the ministry, he said.

The committee would apprise the Prime Minister’s Office of the progress of its assignment.

Members of the committee would be drawn from the PMO, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), Law and Judicial Department, Information Ministry and the Religious Affairs Ministry, while directors-general of the NSI and the DGFI, and the Additional DIG of Special Branch would also be included.