Take measures against 'illegal calls' to keep eateries closed in Ramadan, ASK urges govt
These unreasonable and unrealistic calls are not only creating division in the society but are also an attempt to deprive people of their basic rights, ASK also said
The Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has called on the government and all authorities concerned to "silence the illegal calls" for keeping eateries closed during the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement published today (5 March), the legal aid and human rights organisation also demanded action against the forcible closure of eateries in some places.
"The holy month of Ramadan is a month of showing compassion and empathy towards each other. Therefore, neither the closure of food shops nor any unwanted interference in such a basic matter as food, nor any call or request to forcefully close food shops is desirable," ASK said in the statement signed by its Chairperson Advocate ZI Khan Panna.
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The statement notes that various media have reported on an "unwanted ban imposed by a group on keeping food shops open during the day in various parts of the country to protect the 'sanctity' of Ramadan".
Shopkeepers are keeping their shops closed in many areas for safety issues following the ban announcements, causing suffering to the sick, children, daily wage workers and people of different religions.
The ASK said even before the start of Ramadan, processions were held in various places under the banner of "Sammilita Muslim Janata" demanding that food shops be closed during the day during Ramadan.
"In addition, the top leader of a religion-based political party in a statement called for 'effective measures to close hotels and restaurants during the day,'" the statement added, referring to a call by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on 28 February, just two days before Ramadan.
