PM TELLS ISLAMIC SCHOLARS TO LEAVE AHMADIYAS ALONE

UNCLAS DHAKA 003175 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM BG SUBJECT: PM TELLS ISLAMIC SCHOLARS TO LEAVE AHMADIYAS ALONE ¶1. On July 3, according to local press reports, PM Begum Khaleda Zia met with a delegation of Islamic scholars to discuss government recognition for Qwami madrassah education and maintaining peace and order within society. ¶2. Zia urged the delegation to guard against groups trying to create any disturbances concerning the Ahmadiyas or any other community and cautioned against any such incidents done in the name of Islam. She reiterated her hope that with the cooperation of the delegation the BDG can continue its development drive and maintain social cohesion. The delegation assured the PM of their full cooperation and affirmed that "Islam is a religion of peace" and disapproved of any outbursts of violence. ¶3. The PM said a decision on recognizing Qwami madrassah education would be considered after examining how other countries handle the matter. CHAMMAS