Bangladesh religion minister says creating confusion over 'Kalema-featured flags' unacceptable

Any such attempt creates confusion in society and can destroy national unity, he says

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain Kaikobad has warned against confusion, degradation or political misuse of flags imprinted with the Kalema Tayyiba or other Islamic symbols.

Addressing a discussion at the Islamic Foundation office in Dhaka’s Agargaon on Thursday, Kaikobad said any such attempt creates confusion in society and can destroy national unity.

“It is the religious duty of every Muslim to protect the dignity of the sacred symbols of Islam and religious symbols.”

Flags bearing the Kalema Tayyiba on a white or black cloth background recently emerged in parts of the country.

The flags appeared on roads, bridges, and flyovers, while groups carrying them marched in several districts and staged motorcycle processions.

Analysts and rights activists warn that similar imagery has been used by extremist groups in other parts of the world and could be exploited to portray Bangladesh as vulnerable to militancy.

Experts fear a vested quarter may try to “expose Bangladesh as a terrorist state” by displaying this flag.

And if that happens, Bangladeshis living abroad may also be in danger, they say.

In the discussion, Kaikobad said there is no place for any new doctrine, belief or practice in Islam.

He said, “Decisions on all religious matters will be taken in the light of the Quran and Hadith. The Muslims of the country will never accept any attempt to establish any new doctrine outside the ideals of Allah and Prophet."

The minister said the country's Muslim community will unite to resist such attempts.