Macron’s anti-Islamic remarks: Police foil Hefajat’s attempt to besiege France Embass

Dhaka (Nov 2, 2020): Police have foiled an attempt by Hefajat-e-Islam Bangladesh-led Somomona Islami Dal, a platform of the Islamist parties, to besiege France Embassy protesting the recent remarks made by President Emmanuel Macron against Islam.

Several hundred activists of the platform today staged a sit-in programme in front of the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka protesting the recent comments made by France President Emmanuel Macron against Islam.

Several hundred activists gathered there area around 11:00am with an aim to lay siege to the France Embassy as part of the pre-scheduled programme.

As they started marching towards the France Embassy through Malibagh Mouchak area, police obstructed them, forcing them to return.

They also staged demonstrations there after being obstructed by police.

Vehicular movement from the city’s Baitul Mukarram National Mosque to Nightingale intersection remained suspended since the morning due to the protest programme.

Traffic movement from Baitul Mukarram Mosque, Nightingale intersection and Paltan area remained suspended since the morning, causing a huge suffering to the commuters.

Earlier this month, Macron pledged to fight “Islamist separatism”, which he said, was threatening to take control in some Muslim communities around France.

He also described Islam as a religion “in crisis” worldwide and said the government would present a bill in December to strengthen a 1905 law that officially separated church and state in France, reports Qatar-based Al Jazeera.

His comments, in addition to his backing of satirical outlets publishing caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad, has led to a social media campaign calling for the boycott of French products from supermarkets in Arab countries and Turkey.

Hashtags such as the #BoycottFrenchProducts in English and the Arabic #ExceptGodsMessenger trended across countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, Palestine, Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

On October 23, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned what it said was France’s continued attacks against Muslims by insulting religious symbols.

The secretariat of the Jeddah-based organisation said in a statement it is surprised at the official political rhetoric issued by some French officials that offend French-Islamic relations and fuels feelings of hatred for political party gains.