The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

'Baitul Mukarram Masjid Musalli Samaj' has demanded removal of the newly appointed Khatib of National Mosque Maulana Salah Uddin, alleging that his appointment by Islamic Foundation was illegal and contrary to rules.

Addressing a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club yesterday , Musalli Samaj convenor Maulana Saifullah urged the newly elected government for canceling the appointment of Khatib Maulana Salah Uddin.

He said Maulana Salah Uddin was earlier removed from the post of Khatib of a mosque in Mirpur and of Dhanmandi Eidgah Jame Mosque for his "questionable character."

"Maulana Salah Uddin's new appointment is nothing but a conspiracy to put a wedge in the harmony between government and religious leaders," said the Musalli Samaj convenor.

Convener of Olama-Mashaikh Samannay Parishad Maulana Abdul Latif Chowdhury, secretary of Amra Dhaka Basi Abu Naser Chowdhury and teacher of Chittagong Hathajari Madrasah Maulana Junayed Babunagri were, among others, present at the press conference.

Earlier, on Sunday, the Musalli Samaj submitted a memorandum to the Islamic Foundation demanding removal of Khatib Maulana Salah Uddin.

When contacted, Director General of Islamic Foundation M Fazlur Rahman told UNB that the decision of Maulana Salah Uddin's appointment as Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque came from the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

"I only issued the appointment letter," he said.

After the death of Maulana Obaidul Haq, Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in October 2007, Maulana Nuruddin was acting as Khatib of the Mosque.