Media Reaction: Alleged Desecration of the Holy

UNCLAS DHAKA 002297 SIPDIS FOR I/FW, B/G, IIP/G/NEA-SA, B/VOA/N (BANGLA SERVICE) STATE FOR SA/PAB, SA/PPD (LSCENSNY, SSTRYKER),SA/RA, INR/R/MR, AND PASS TO USAID FOR ANE/ASIA/SA/B (WJOHNSON) CINCPAC FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR, J51 (MAJ TURNER),J45 (MAJ NICHOLLS) USARPAC FOR APOP-IM (MAJ HEDRICK) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KMDR OIIP OPRC KPAO PREL ETRD PTER ASEC BG OCII SUBJECT: Media Reaction: Alleged Desecration of the Holy Quran; Dhaka Summary: Anti-West "Inqilab" says the U.S. Administration is concerned about the worldwide protest and demonstrations against the desecration. Secretary Rice's comments about investigation and punishment to offenders are positive steps. But the United States should not confine itself to words only. The anti-Muslim American bandits have hurt the sentiments of all Muslims. Quick punitive measures must be taken against them. Pro-Jamaat-e-Islam "Sangram" says the desecration of the Holy Quran is a heinous crime at a time when the world is talking much about protection of democracy, human rights, and religious freedom. The Muslim community is awaiting U.S. action on the desecration of the holy book. Following are excerpts from the editorials: -------------- Alleged Desecration of the Holy Quran -------------- "Desecration of the Holy Quran" Anti-West vernacular daily "Inqilab" editorially opines (05/17/05): The desecration of the Holy Quran is an insult to the world Muslims and the entire mankind. Muslims respect followers of other religions and equally respect their holy books. There is no instance of any desecration of others' religious books by Muslims. In fact, no religion ever permits desecration of others' religious book. The U.S. Administration is concerned about the worldwide protest and demonstrations against the desecration. Secretary Rice's comments about investigation and punishment SIPDIS to offenders are positive steps. But the United States should not confine itself to words only. The anti-Muslim American bandits have hurt the sentiments of all Muslims. Quick punitive measures must be taken against them. -------------- "Arrogance of the Imprudent" Jamaat-e-Islam organ vernacular "Sangram" editorial said (0517/05): The desecration of the Holy Quran is a heinous crime at a time when the world is talking much about protection of democracy, human rights, and religious freedom. The Muslim community is awaiting U.S. action on the desecration of the holy book. If the United States takes punitive actions against the alleged soldiers, they might get rid of the deadly consequences of this world and the next world. If it fails, it will have to encounter serious danger. The sooner the United States realizes this, the better. The Muslims may not remain silent if the United States does not act. Because, justice shrinks if wrongdoing is harbored. Thomas