BANGLADESH

Bangladesh and Sweden discuss repeated desecration of Holy Quran

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday, July 30 shared Bangladesh’s grave concerns with his Swedish counterpart over the repeated acts of desecrating and burning copies of the Holy Quran in Sweden in recent times. Momen held a tele-discussion with Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom regarding the issue.

He highlighted that Bangladesh strongly condemns any act of desecrating and burning the Holy Quran, or for that matter any religious scripture, under any circumstance.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Miniater reiterated Bangladesh’s call on all concerned to put an end to such unwarranted provocations for the sake of mutual respect, harmony and peaceful coexistence.

Terming Sweden as a trusted friend of Bangladesh, Abdul Momen expected that any such despicable act would not recur in Sweden.

The Swedish foreign minister said that any Islamophobic act is condemned and rejected by the Swedish government. He said that desecration of the Holy Quran, or any other religious scripture, is an offensive and disrespectful act.

Swedish foreign minister stated that public agencies in Sweden make independent decisions and accordingly, the Swedish Police Authority grants permits for demonstrations. But it does not grant permission to burn the Holy Quran, or any other religious scripture.

He regretted that individuals, availing the Swedish constitutional right to freedom of religion, freedom of expression and freedom of demonstration, misuse the freedoms to insult values sacred to a religion. He added that the Swedish minister for justice has initiated an analysis of the Public Order Act, in light of the recent events.

Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Abdul Momen mentioned that Bangladesh is a country of religious harmony, here religious events are celebrated and observed by all irrespective of their faiths.

Momen expressed satisfaction that the Swedish authorities are taking corrective measures. The Swedish minister termed Bangladeshi society tolerant and appreciated religious harmony prevailing in Bangladesh.

Referring to the upcoming general election in Bangladesh in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the country, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh expressed his firm conviction that Bangladesh Election Commission will conduct the election in a free, fair and peaceful environment. He requested Sweden to send election observers. The Swedish foreign minister assured to convey the invitation to the relevant authorities of Sweden.

 

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