Front Page

Islamist group’s new deadline for declaring Ahmadiyyas non-Muslim
Staff Correspondent

Khatme Nubuwat Committee Bangladesh yesterday threatened to launch a broader movement if the government does not declare Ahmadiyyas non-Muslim by June.

“Declare them non-Muslim or pay for it in the next general elections,” Muhammad Shamsul Haq, chairman of the new anti-Ahmadiyya group, told the ruling coalition from a press conference at the National Press Club.

Yesterday’s demand is the latest in a series of anti-Ahmadiyya calls since November last year when several groups staged a string of hate-filled demonstrations against the Muslim sect.

“Ahmadiyyas are not Muslims, as their activities go against the basic norms of Islam,” Haq claimed. “They (Ahmadiyyas) are running illegal activities not only in Dhaka but in Chittagong, Panchagarh and Natore.”

Hailing the January 8 ban on the Ahmadiyya publications, he said: “The government decision proves the rationale of our movement.”

“The verdict of the Organisation of Islamic Conference shows Ahmadiyyas are deceiving Muslims,” he claimed.

Khatme Nubuwat with a 33-member executive committee said its leaders and activists would form committees in upazilas and districts by June 30 to gear up their movement.