Saudi Imam lauds HPM Sheikh Hasina for deepening ties with KSA

Dr Mohammad Al Khuzaim said this when he along with Imam and Preacher of the Prophet's Mosque Abdulmehsin bin Mohammad Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Qasim called on the Prime Minister at her office on Wednesday.

Briefing reporters after the meeting PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said in the meeting the Vice President of the two holy mosque reiterated Saudi commitment to provide assistance for building mosque-cum Islamic Cultural Centers in all upazilas of the country.

Praising the development initiatives of Bangladesh over the last eight years, Dr Mohammad Al Khuzaim said, "Our perception regarding Bangladesh has now totally changed and it is now very good,"

Welcoming both of Mohammad Al Khuzaim and Abdul Rahman Al-Qasim in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said, "We're very much delighted as you've come here.Makkah and Madinah are the two holy places and they've special place in our hearts,"

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh was eagerly waiting to receiving the Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. In reply Al Khuzaim said the Saudi King accepted the invitation and discussion is going on to fix up his visit schedule.

The Vice President of the two holy mosques also expressed his satisfaction and highly appreciated the present government's steps for the promotion and spread of Islam. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has done a lot for the Muslims and the people of Bangladesh, he said.

As the Prime Minister expressed her grave concern over the terrorism and militant activities across the world, Mohammad Al Khuzaim said, Saudi Arabia is also fighting against terrorism like other countries.

Sheikh Hasina hoped that all the Muslims of the world would live in peace and she wants that the people of all faiths in Bangladesh would live in peace with fulfillment of their basic needs.

About the vast number of expatriate Bangladeshi workers now employed at Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister said that the Bangladeshi workers are contributing in the economies of the both countries.

Sheikh Hasina noted that Bangladesh has a historic and very traditional relationship with Saudi Arabia. The relationship would be further broadened and strengthened in the days to come, she hoped.

Terming Islam as the best religion as well as the religion of peace, humanity and solidarity, Sheikh Hasina said terrorists are maligning the reputation of this 'Religion of Peace' through their various subversive activities.

Highlighting various initiatives of her government for the preaching and spreading of Islam, the Prime Minister said that her government is going to construct mosque-cum Islamic Cultural centers in every upazilas.

The government has already taken steps for founding an Arabic University and further development of the Islamic Foundation which was founded by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she said.

Religious Affairs Minister Principal Matiur Rahman, PM's Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Golam Masih and Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdullah Al Mutairi were present, among others, on the occasion.

The two imams are scheduled to be guests at a gathering of Bangladeshi Islamic scholars and clerics in the city's Suhrawardy Udyan tomorrow to be organized marking 42nd founding anniversary of the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh.

Photo: Saiful Islam Kallol