STAFF CORRESPONDENT

BNP hopes that the recently passed controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act in India will be reconsidered in the interest of maintaining communal harmony in the region, said BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed.

“India is a large democratic country and its government will reconsider this law, upholding the guardianship role of the state in protecting the religious rights of citizens of all religions...we express this hope,” the senior BNP leader said at a press conference at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office yesterday.

“We believe that this step [to reconsider this law] will play a historic role in maintaining communal harmony in the region.”

He said the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and other like-minded organisations have termed the new law contradictory to the core spirit of the Islamic “Waqf” system.

“They [the organisations] view this law as a direct interference in the religious rights of Muslim citizens.”

The concept of “Waqf” is rooted in Islamic laws and traditions. It refers to an endowment made by atcharitable or religious purposes, such as building mosques, schools, hospitals, or other public institutions

The bill was passed in both Houses of Parliament.

Salahuddin said he analysed various

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