The Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, has called on national daily Prothom Alo to issue a public apology for what he described as a serious insult to Islamic sentiment. The statement came following the publication of an Eid greeting cartoon on March 30, which featured the image of a dog—an element that has sparked widespread condemnation across religious and public circles.
In a Facebook post from his verified account on Monday, Dr. Shafiqur said, “Prothom Alo does not hesitate to mock even a sacred worship like Eid. The use of a dog in their Eid cartoon is not only bizarre but deeply offensive.”
The Jamaat leader recalled past controversies involving the newspaper and added, “This is not the first time. The magazine had previously apologized publicly for its offensive stance toward the Holy Prophet (PBUH), with the Khatib of Baitul Mukarram present.”
Demanding accountability, he said, “The cartoon must be withdrawn, and an apology must be made to the nation. The attitude displayed is unacceptable and disrespectful to the faith of millions.”
The cartoon has triggered an uproar among scholars, clerics, and common citizens, who claim it insults a religious festival and calls for immediate action. Some voices are demanding legal consequences and even a ban on Prothom Alo, accusing it of deliberately provoking religious tensions.
As the backlash continues to grow, Prothom Alo has yet to release an official response.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
