In a significant diplomatic and religious gesture, Bangladesh’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Dr Hasan Mahmud, has expressed his formal gratitude to the Government of India for its decisive legal action against an individual who made derogatory remarks regarding Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Speaking as the chief guest at the triennial conference of the Gaibandha Municipality unit of the Awami League, the Minister underscored the importance of communal harmony and the protection of religious sentiments across borders.
Condemning Religious Provocation
Addressing the gathering at the Central Shaheed Minar premises in Gaibandha, Dr Mahmud—who also serves as the Joint General Secretary of the Awami League—reiterated that the insult of the Prophet (PBUH) is an act that warrants the strongest possible condemnation, regardless of where it occurs.
“We extend our gratitude towards the Indian government for taking legal measures against those who made such offensive statements,” the Minister stated. He further warned that the Bangladeshi government would not tolerate any attempts to use external incidents to incite internal discord. He asserted that any individuals or groups attempting to capitalise on such controversies to create chaos within Bangladesh would be “suppressed with iron hands.”
A Decade of Islamic Advancement under Sheikh Hasina
The Minister used the platform to contrast the current administration’s achievements with those of previous governments, arguing that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has done more for the promotion of Islam than any of her predecessors. He highlighted that these efforts were not merely symbolic but represented a structural commitment to the faith and the welfare of religious scholars.
One of the cornerstone achievements mentioned was the establishment of the Islamic Arabic University, a long-standing demand of the country’s Alem Ulama (religious scholars) that had remained unfulfilled for over a century until the current government took office.
| Initiative | Description & Impact | Key Figures/Scale |
| Model Mosques | Establishing centres for prayer and Islamic culture. | 560 across districts and upazilas. |
| Qawmi Madrasah | Formal recognition of degrees for job eligibility. | Integrated into national job market. |
| Maktab Allowances | Monthly stipends for teachers in mosque-based schools. | 100,000 Maktabs; 5,200 BDT allowance. |
| Islamic Arabic University | A dedicated higher education institution for Arabic studies. | Fulfilled a 100-year-old demand. |
| Hajj Immigration | Streamlining the pilgrimage process in Dhaka. | Significant reduction in transit times. |
Political Stability and Economic Progress
Dr Mahmud also touched upon the broader developmental trajectory of the nation, noting that the progress achieved over the last 13.5 years under the leadership of the Awami League has earned global acclaim. He accused the opposition BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) of being unable to tolerate the country’s development “spree,” alleging that the party continues to “hatch conspiracies” aimed at portraying the state as a failure.
The conference was presided over by Advocate Shah Masud Zahangir Kabir Milon, President of the Gaibandha Poura Awami League, with Abu Bakar Siddique, General Secretary of the district unit, serving as the main discussant. Other notable speakers included Organising Secretary Md Shakhawat Hossain Shafique and several Members of Parliament, all of whom echoed the call for unity and vigilance against political misinformation.
The Minister concluded by urging the public and party activists to remain focused on the government’s vision for a “Smart Bangladesh,” while ensuring that the country remains a sanctuary of religious tolerance and peace.