MP Hanzala demands death penalty for insulting Prophet (PBUH)

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis MP Sayed Uddin Ahmad Hanzala today urged the parliament to enact a law introducing death penalty for “insulting or showing disrespect” to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Addressing the Jatiya Sangsad, he also called for a law declaring those who do not accept Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the final prophet to be "non-Muslims".

The Madaripur-1 MP made these demands during a discussion on the motion of thanks over the president’s speech in the parliament.

Hanzala said, "Some 30-40 lakh ulemas in the country are looking at us. Their voices should be carried to the national parliament.”

“Belief in the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is part of my faith. He is my final prophet, as the Quran has declared,” he said.

“But sadly, there is a group in Bangladesh... and some of them deny the Prophet (PBUH) while still claiming to be Muslims. Many know this. In protest of this, many have died on the streets. The struggle has continued since independence -- yet we have not gained recognition.

“I would urge the prime minister to create history in Bangladesh… If this is recognised through you, then those who deny the Prophet (PBUH) can never be called Muslims,” the lawmaker said.