Trees found inscribed with Arabic words inside Dhaka University

Some unknown people have inscribed overnight some of the trees inside the Dhaka University with the word 'Allahu' in Arabic calligraphy.

The Arabic words in yellow were found carved onto the bark of the trees from the High Court square to Bangabazar along the Fazlul Huq Hall on Friday.

But a professor of the Arabic of the university was not impressed with such writings as Arabic letters and words are considered sacred because the Holy Quran is written in Arabic.

A number of trees between the High Court and Bangabazar are inscribed with Arabic calligraphy. The photo was taken on Friday. Photo: Abdullah Al Momin

"I don't see any justification for writing the name of Allah in such an unprotected place. I would request the authorities to investigate who are the people who have written those words and why," said Prof Md Abdul Kadir.

"Names of Allah must be in sacred places. I think this is an insult to Allah's name," he added. Vagabonds loiter around the areas, according to the witnesses.

The DU authorities are unaware of the incident.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs, in May last year, used Arabic to write the caution like "Do not urinate here" and the people stopped taking a leak in front of the 'holy words'.

A number of trees between the High Court and Bangabazar are inscribed with Arabic calligraphy. The photo was taken on Friday. Photo: Abdullah Al Momin

Provost of Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall Sabita Rizwana Rahman said she noticed it for the past two days, but had no idea who had done it.

"I informed the city corporation as soon as I saw it," she added.

Fazlul Huq Hall Provost Prof Jashimuddn said these were sensitive writings. The authorities should investigate who have done it.

Proctor of the university Prof Golam Rabbani said they were looking into the matter.