Banks' resolution says that the United States should more actively engage with the government of Bangladesh regarding shared interests in safeguarding human rights, religious freedom, and secular democracy in Bangladesh, while preventing the growth of religious extremism and militancy. It also urges the BNP and all political parties to unequivocally distance themselves from the Jamaat and other extremist organisations. Banks' resolution notes that Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971 and established a secular democratic state, which is home to over 163 million Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and atheists. The Jamaat applauded the assassination of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer for defending the rights of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman accused of blasphemy in Pakistan, according to the resolution. The Jamaat led funeral prayers for the terrorist who assassinated Salmaan Taseer, during which they prayed for the strength and power to enforce Shariah throughout the world, the resolution further observed.

Source: bd News24 March 05, 2019 20:48 UTC