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Last updated: 1st August 2023

Press Release

Foreign Minister denounced the repeated acts of desecration and burning of copies of the Holy Quran in Sweden and Denmark

Dhaka, 31 July 2023:

Foreign Minister Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, MP denounced the recurrence of the disrespectful and provocative acts of the desecration and burning of copies of the Holy Quran in Sweden and Denmark in the 18th Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers on the repeated incidents of desecration and burning of copies of Al-Mushaf Ash- Sharif in Sweden and Denmark, held virtually on 31 July 2023. Dr. Momen also thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for convening this Extraordinary Session.

Terming Islam as a religion of peace, harmony and brotherhood, Foreign Minister stated that Islam strives to provide complete livelihood guidance through the Holy Quran and Hadiths which is just, honourable and equal for humanity. He further stated that Bangladesh is a secular country where the sanctity of all religion is maintained. “It is one of the core values of our country which was first pronounced by our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and is embedded in our constitution”, he added.

Expressing grave concern over the recurrence of such Islamophobic acts of insulting the sacred values and religious symbols of the Muslims under the guise of ‘freedom of expression’, Dr. Momen called on all concerned to put an end to such unwarranted provocations for the sake of mutual respect, harmony and peaceful coexistence.

At the meeting, Foreign Minister flagged that the acts against Islam particularly the incidents in Sweden and Denmark are based on ignorance. He urged the OIC Member States to highlight the true teachings of the Holy Quran and dispel the misunderstanding revolving around Islam. The rising trend of misconception can be curbed by engaging Islamic Scholars to deliver the true teachings of Islam at various opportune fora, he added. Stressing on the need to stand together for better mutual understanding and tolerance, Foreign Minister encouraged dialogue and communication among nations to avoid similar incidents in future.

“Resolution on the Repeated Crimes of Desecration and Burning of Copies of al-Mus’haf ash-Sharif in the Kingdom of Sweden and the Kingdom of Denmark” and a Statement on Israeli Occupation Government Officials Breaking into the Blessed Aqsa Mosque were adopted at the virtual meeting.

2023-07-31

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