Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said that her government would not allow the vested quarters to destroy the image of Islam by creating militancy and terrorism in the name of religion.

“We won’t allow the vested quarters to pollute this holy religion,” she said while inaugurating the Hajj Programme-2014 at the Hajj Camp in city’s Ashkona.

Religious Affairs Minister Principal Matiur Rahman presided over the programme which was arranged by his ministry at the Hajj Camp.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon, local MP Advocate Sahara Khatun and Saudi Ambassador in Dhaka Dr Abdullah bin Nasser Al Bussairy also spoke on the occasion.

Sheikh Hasina said Islam is the religion of peace; Islam is the religion of holiness. “But, it is very much regretful that the vested quarters create militancy and terrorism by using the name of this sacred religion to kill and engage in various kinds of destruction that ultimately pollute our holy religion.”

Mentioning that the government formed committees up to union level to curb militancy, she said: “We included Alem-Ulema in these committees. Because, we don’t want the vested quarters to pollute the holy religion...”

The Prime Minister said that Islam is the religion of peace, progress and for improving the lifestyle of human beings. “Our effort is to establish this religion in the world as the religion of peace.”

She said that the government would not allow anyone to tarnish the image of the holy religion. “We never want that the vested quarter would destroy the image of this religion by resorting to militancy and terrorism.”

Hasina described various steps taken soon after independence by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for the advancement of Islam in the country.

In this connection, she mentioned the establishment of Islamic Foundation, Madrasah Board, allocation of land for Ijtema, and imposing ban on liquor, gambling and horse race.

“Awami League always put its efforts for publicizing and expanding Islam,’ she said.

The Prime Minister said that while in office in 1996, the Awami League government took steps for mosque-based teaching of holy Quran.

“But, the government that came in 2001 stopped this programme. After assuming office aaain, we resumed that programme and allocated more than Tk 600 crore for this purpose,” she said.

Terming the Hajj pilgrims as the guests of Almighty Allah, Hasina requested them to seek blessings for the country and its people while they will perform their Hajj.

A special mujajat was offered on the occasion, which was conducted by Khatib of Baitul Mukarram Mosque Salahuddin Ahmed.

After inaugurating the Hajj programme, Sheikh Hasina exchanged greetings with the pilgrims who have already started reporting to the camp ahead of the first Hajj flight.

Four flights of Biman Bangladesh Airlines will carry nearly 1,157 Bangladeshi pilgrims on the first day, Wednesday, with first flight departing at 7:05 am.

The national flag carrier will carry 50 percent of the Hajj pilgrims while Saudi Airlines the other 50 percent in several phases.

A total of 97,257 Hajj pilgrims out of 98,757 will perform Hajj under private management while 1,500 others under government management.

This year, the Hajj flights of Biman Bangladesh Airlines will continue till September 28. The return Hajj flights of the national flag carrier will begin on October 8 and continue till November 8.

The Hajj flights of Saudi Airlines will begin on September 1 and continue till September 30 while its return Hajj flights will begin on October 9 and conclude on November 17.