Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday 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, reports UNB.
He made a tele-discussion with Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström regarding the issue.
Momen expressed that Bangladesh strongly condemns any act of desecrating and burning the Holy Quran, or for that matter any religious scripture, under any circumstance.
He 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, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Terming Sweden as a trusted friend of Bangladesh, 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.
He 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.
The Swedish foreign minister 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 updated that the Swedish minister for justice has initiated an analysis of the Public Order Act, in light of the recent events.
Foreign Minister Momen stated that Bangladesh is a country of religious harmony, where religious events are celebrated and observed by all irrespective of their faiths.
He expressed satisfaction that the Swedish authorities are taking corrective measures. The Swedish minister termed Bangladeshi society tolerant and appreciated religious harmony prevailing in Bangladesh, MoFA said.
Referring to the upcoming general election in Bangladesh in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the country, Foreign Minister Momen 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.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
