“I express my surprise and condemn the decision of the Swiss government to go for the referendum in Switzerland and thus making it an issue of debate that will prevent erecting new minarets which is an integral part of Muslim’s house of worship.

From the onset of the architectural history of mosques, the erection of minarets has become a tradition and over the centuries has been a religious symbol for Muslims. Going against this religious symbol and obstructing its erection is not only a painful event but also at odds with the religious and human rights recognized by the United Nations. On the contrary, no Muslim or Muslim country prevents Churches from erecting the spire and cross which look like a minaret; nor do Muslims and Muslims countries object to erecting the steeple in temples. Jewish synagogues and Buddhist pagodas also remain in place. The obstacle only comes in erecting minarets of the Muslims. This attitude and behaviour is appallingly discriminatory and an exposure of antipathy against the Muslims. The Swiss government’s decision is a part of discriminatory activities that is going on around the world against the Muslims based on unfair propaganda.

Switzerland is a democratic country and is loud in its support for human rights. This decision to prevent the erection of minarets in mosques, the house of worship of Muslims, has undermined the recognized and commendable image of Switzerland. This cannot be a good antecedent for Switzerland; neither will it bring good for the peaceful co-existence of nations of the world.

In order of safeguard the religious and human rights, I call on the Swiss government to reconsider the decision.”




Prof. Md. Tasneem Alam
Secretary
Central Publicity Department
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami