Statement of Latif is his own: Inu

Information Minister Hasanul Huq Inu said Friday the statement of Abdul Latif Siddique was his own and he alone would bear responsibility for it. The government has nothing to do with it, reports BSS.
"What he had said in a discussion with the Tangail Association of New York is absolutely his personal opinion. The government has nothing to do with it," the minister added. He also said the head of government Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina has taken prompt action against the person concerned and has not only relieved him of his ministerial responsibility but also of the party, therefore there is no scope to create confusion about it.
The information minister through telephonic call from Meena, Saudi Arabia, where he is performing the holy Hajj, clarified the position of the government.
He also said a number of ministers have already clarified the position of the government about it. The minister also mentioned that the government was respectful of all religions and religious sensitivities and it would not tolerate any deviation.
This year, about 0.1 million pilgrims from Bangladesh are performing the holy Hajj and the minister for religious affairs is supervising it, personally, he added.
Meanwhile, Publicity and Publication Affairs Secretary of Awami League (AL) Dr Hasan Mahmud said Friday the people will not tolerate if anyone tries to create anarchy to take political advantage over Minister Abdul Latif Siddique's remarks against Hajj.
"There is no scope to make it a political issue . . .  conscious people of the country will not entertain if anyone tries to catch fish in troubled waters by making it a political issue," he said.
Dr Mahmud was speaking at a discussion after a human chain organised by Bangabandhu Mancha and Awami Samorthak Goshthi in front of the National Press Club. Publication Secretary of Dhaka City AL Abdul Haq Sabuj presided over the programme while Rickshaw Sramik League president Insur Ali and Freedom Fighter Wahiduzzaman spoke.
He said the government does not support statements that hurt religious sentiments and are against Islam or any other religion.
"Ban Ki-moon (United Nations Secretary General) praised Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina for her invaluable contribution to world peace and security and development of the country," said the AL leader.