The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Eminent Islami scholars at a roundtable in the city yesterday called for a systematic campaign to thwart attempts being made by certain quarters to create new social tensions in the society in the name of establishment of equal rights to property of women in the country.

Former Chief Election Commissioner Justice Abdur Rouf was the chief guest at the roundtable on 'The rights of women in Islam' organised by the Islamic Council Bangladesh at the National Press Club VIP Lounge.

Moulana Muhiuddin Khan, editor of the monthly Madina, Moulana Mosaddeq Billah of Char Monai, Atiqul Islam, secretary general of Muslim League, Moulana Abul Kalam Azad, of Mohammad Nurua Madsasah, Moulana Nizamuddin, Principal Khijirpur Madrasah, Sylhet, Moulana Zafarullah Khan, secretary general, Khelafat Andolan, Abu Naser Rahmatullah, of Swadhinata Forum, Abdul Mubin of Islamic Party, Moulana Mohammadullah Jan of Bhairab, Moulana Keramat Ali, imam of Tongi Jame Masjid and Moulana Fariduddin Masud, former director of Islamic foundation among others spoke at the roundtable presided over by Moulana Abdur Rab Yousufi, convenor of the Islamic Council.

Justice Abdur Rouf said that the concept of equal rights of women in husband's property had its origin in the western extremely individualistic social system where divorce was common and women otherwise had no right to property. This does not suit the values of the east where family bonds are strong and the religion of Islam specifically provides for share of women in the properties of their parents and husband.

Moulana Muhiuddin Khan said that the issue of equal property rights for women was being promoted at the instigation of foreign powers to irritate the ulema and compel them to become restive. This would justify their war on Islam in the name of war on terrorism, he said.

He said that in the face of such instigation the ulema should remain united and organise their campaign against the move in a systematic and coordinated way so that undesirable elements cannot sabotage it by creating unwanted sentiments and letting loose indiscipline. He said that saboteurs in the past frustrated many positive movements of the ulema in the past.