Md Amir Hamza, Kushtia-3 MP and Islamic speaker, has slammed Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood over his remarks, calling him an “atheist” and “anti-Islam”.
A 1-minute and 46-second video clip of Amir’s speech – made the remarks yesterday (27 March) during a discussion before the Friday prayers sermon at Hatsh Haripur Boro Mosque in Kushtia Sadar upazila – has spread on social media, leading to discussion in political circles.
In the clip, he is heard saying that the minister is an atheist and anti-Islam. He also said that even if the minister claims he is not opposed to the Jamaat-e-Islami or the Charmonai Pir, he remains anti-Islam.
Referring to one of the minister’s earlier remarks, Amir Hamza said that if the Liberation War was not fought to establish religion in the country, then people should explain why it was fought. He added that freedom fighters are still alive and can be asked whether they are anti-religion or anti-Islam.
He also spoke about the power and fuel crisis, saying that at a medical facility he visited in the morning, more than five litres of fuel were not being provided to run generators. He said lives are now at risk in a large medical college hospital.
Meanwhile, Bakul Biswas, general secretary of the Hatsh Haripur Boro Mosque committee, said Amir Hamza had not been formally invited and came on his own initiative for Friday prayers. He added that he was outside during the discussion and did not hear the remarks.
Attempts to contact Amir Hamza for comment were unsuccessful.
The incident has drawn mixed reactions on social media, with some calling it politically motivated and others linking it to the power and fuel situation.
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