The Swiss ambassador to Bangladesh Mr. Urs Herren has met Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and former minister Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami at 11 AM today on 3 December 2009 after Maulana Nizami gave a statement condemning the verdict of a recent referendum in Switzerland that barred the erection of new minarets in mosques of that country. Ambassador Mr. Urs Herren explained the matter in the meeting with Maulana Nizami. 

Moulana Motiur Rahman Nizami said in the meeting, the verdict against erecting new minarets in mosques in the referendum in Switzerland is discriminatory, painful and unfortunate. This verdict is against the fundamental rights granted in the constitution of Switzerland as well as the United Nations charter. There have been protests and demonstrations against this verdict around the world. He hoped that the Swiss government will deeply ponder over the matter and try to undo the decision.

The Swiss ambassador mentioned, there are 4% Muslims living in Switzerland. They are not unfairly treated in the country. They live in peace and harmony. There is no antipathy and discrimination among the religious and ethnic groups in Switzerland.

He added that he will let the government of his country know about the reaction regarding the referendum. He assured that the Swiss government will try to change the decision by filing a case in the federal court of Switzerland.

Assistant Secretaries General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Muhammad Kamaruzzaman and Barrister Abdur Razzak were present during the meeting.

 

 

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