PM for exercising tolerance

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said everybody needs to exercise tolerance as it is essential for the country’s uninterrupted development.
She said it is not at all acceptable to write something hurting religious sentiments of others. “We perform our religious rituals. But, if anyone writes filthy words against our religion, why should we tolerate that?” news agency UNB quoted her as saying.
Nowadays it has become a fashion to write something against religion as part of free thinking, she observed. “But, I consider such writings as not free thinking but filthy words. Why anyone would write such things? It’s not at all acceptable if anyone writes against our prophet or other religions. This is a characteristic fault, expression of distorted or filthy mindset. I hope no one would write such filthy things,” said Hasina.
"Why the government would take responsibility if such writings lead to any untoward incidents? Everyone should maintain decency. Or else the government wouldn’t take the responsibility for any uncivilised attitude.”
About the killing out of vengeance for such writings, she said Islam does not permit it and Almighty Allah does not bestow the duty of trial on them.
“But, if anyone doesn’t abide by the guidance of Almighty Allah and his prophet and thus kill people, it is ‘Shirk’. I hope no one would indulge in such act,” she added.
Turning to the criticism of some quarters and individuals of the government’s restrictions on open space programmes after 5pm, she said the measures were taken on security grounds.
Industries minister Amir Hossain Amu, commerce minister Tofail Ahmed, AL presidium Member Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, Advocate Sahara Khatun and Satish Chandra Roy were, among others, present.