HC issues rule to formulate law on hurting religious sentiments

The High Court (HC) on Tuesday issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why they should not be directed to formulate a law ensuring reasonable punishment in cases of hurting religious sentiments.

The HC bench, comprising Justice Fahmida Quder and Justice Asif Hasan, asked the law secretary, cabinet secretary, and other concerned officials to reply to the rule within four weeks.

Earlier, on November 30, Supreme Court lawyer Md Golam Kibria filed a writ petition with the High Court seeking directions to introduce the death penalty as the maximum punishment in cases filed over hurting religious sentiments.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Advocate Golam Kibria said that under the Bangladesh Penal Code, the current maximum punishment for cases related to hurting religious sentiments is two years' imprisonment. The new Cyber Security Act also maintains a maximum penalty of two years.

"We believe this punishment is insufficient. As a result, many people, like Baul singer Abul Sarkar, feel emboldened to make derogatory or offensive remarks about religious matters," he said.

"In the writ, we have sought directions to enact a law prescribing the maximum punishment for offences involving hurting religious sentiments. If such a provision is introduced, no one will dare to commit this offence," Golam Kibria added.