Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged all to resist misinterpretation of Islam carried out by evil forces and eradicate darkness, illiteracy, discord, violence, terrorism and militancy from the society being imbued with the essence of the religion of peace.

"Let us all hold the message of Islam in our hearts and eradicate darkness, illiteracy, discord, violence, terrorism and militancy from the society; resist the evil force which are making misinterpretation of Islam," she said.

The premier made this call while addressing the national level Hajj and Umrah Management Conference-2022 and opening ceremony of Hajj and Umrah fair at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC), organized by Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB).

She joined the function virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban in the capital.

Sheikh Hasina said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has done a lot for Islam in the country and as his successor; her government is working relentless to uphold the spirit of Islam and for welfare of the people.

She said Islam is the best religion in the world, but this holy religion is sometimes exposed to criticism due to few militants.

"We've adopted zero tolerance policy towards militancy to uphold the peaceful glory of holy Islam by keeping the country free from militancy," she said.

She also said they have formed committee comprising Islamic scholars in every area so that no child can get involved with militancy and drugs.

The premier added that Imams are being provided training engaging the religious leaders for the development of human resources.

The objectives of the event include providing the pilgrims with proper hajj-related information, making them aware about current technology-based hajj management, enabling them directly contact with Hajj agencies and reducing the influence of middlemen and scammers.

Two seminars would be held on "Hajj and Umrah Management: Achievements and Actions needed" and "e-Hajj Management and Route to Makkah Initiatives" in the conference.

Different Hajj agencies, financial organisations and the concerned authorities have set up some 150 stalls and pavilions in the three-day Hajj and Umrah fair, which remains open from 10am to 8pm every day.

Bangladesh, among the world, is the 4th largest pilgrim-sending country to Makkah.

More than 90 percent of Bangladeshi hajj pilgrims and 100 percent umrah pilgrims go to Saudi Arabia under private management.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md. Mahbub Ali, State Minister for Religious Affairs Md. Faridul Haque Khan, its Secretary Kazi Enamul Hassan, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Issa bin Youssef Al-Dahilan and HAAB President M Shahadat Hossain Taslim also spoke at the inaugural ceremony.

Source: BSS