Muslim Personal Law Board Condemns Taslima Nasreens Statements on Madrasas
New Delhi, August 4: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has strongly condemned statements made by Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen regarding madrasas and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The board labeled her remarks as inflammatory, misleading, and an unwarranted interference by a foreign national in India’s internal affairs.
Dr. SQR Ilyas, spokesperson for the board, issued a statement asserting that accusations of madrasas promoting extremism or preparing jihadists are entirely baseless and malicious. Such claims not only hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Muslims in the country but also appear to threaten communal harmony.
Dr. Ilyas expressed disappointment that a foreign national, seeking refuge in India, is making incendiary comments on the country’s religious, constitutional, and social issues. He emphasized that freedom of expression should not permit the spread of hatred, the defamation of religious institutions, or interference in the nation’s internal matters.
The board urged the central government to ensure that individuals like Nasreen are compelled to remain within the bounds of law and that similar statements are not repeated in the future. Necessary actions should be taken in this regard.
The board also objected to Nasreen’s comments related to Bangladesh, stating that her remarks do not align with India’s balanced foreign policy and could adversely affect India-Bangladesh relations. They urged the government to consider this aspect seriously.
The spokesperson highlighted that the campaign to defame madrasas is not new. Such accusations have persisted for decades, yet no solid evidence has ever been presented by the accusers. He claimed that no investigative or security agency in the country has confirmed these allegations.
He noted that thousands of madrasas across the country provide education to millions of children without placing an additional burden on government finances. Many students who receive education from madrasas go on to pursue higher education at universities and contribute to various fields, including judiciary, education, journalism, civil services, and social work.
The board asserted that defaming such educational institutions is not only unjust but also detrimental to the country’s educational and social cohesion.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has called on the central government to take note of these alleged inflammatory statements. They urged that foreign refugees be prevented from interfering in India’s internal and religious matters and that the country’s constitutional and social fabric should not fall victim to anyone’s hate-based politics.
