Bangladesh PM condemns killings in name of Islam

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Saturday wondered how those who practice Islam can bring themselves to burn people alive in the name of political agitations.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led coalition's ongoing agitations have killed over 60 people, mostly in incidents of arson, across Bangladesh since Jan 5.

Hasina, speaking at the "International Sufi Conference 2015" in Dhaka asked religious leaders to raise public awareness against the "misdeeds" of the BNP alliance, bdnews24.com reported.

Sheikh Hasina's Awami League's ally, Tariqat Federation, organised Saturday's programme.

The prime minister said she hoped Allah would bring the violent agitators to their senses.

"How can humans burn other humans!" she said.

She said Islam was modern, progressive and a religion of peace.

"Those burning people to death in the name of Islam are only defaming it," Hasina added.

"They don't respect Islam."

The prime minister said the opposition alliance had killed hundreds of people during their shutdowns and blockades.

Hasina alleged that her bitter political rival, BNP chief Khaleda Zia, was trying to "burn democracy to protect her ill-gotten wealth".

"She's afraid of facing trial," Hasina claimed.

Khaleda, her elder son Tarique Rahman and several BNP leaders are being tried in two corruption cases.