Bangladeshi MP Sayed Uddin Ahmad Hanzala proposed in parliament on Wednesday that blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad be punishable by death.
Hanzala, a member of parliament from Madaripur-1 representing the Islami Andolan Bangladesh, the ally of Jamaat-e-Islami, made the demand during a thank-you motion following the president’s address.
He stated that anyone who makes derogatory remarks in the name of the Prophet Muhammad should receive the death penalty, and that those who do not accept him as the final prophet should also face action.
Hanzala added that if a Muslim is found guilty of blasphemy, they should be declared non-Muslim, citing repeated incidents of such acts that cannot be allowed to continue.
What the current law says on blasphemy in Bangladesh
Bangladesh does not have a specific blasphemy law, but provisions in the Penal Code of 1860 and the Cyber Security Act criminalize acts that hurt religious sentiments.
Sections 295(A) and 298 of the Penal Code allow for up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine for deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
How officials and experts view the proposal
Legal experts note that introducing a death penalty for blasphemy would conflict with Bangladesh’s international human rights obligations and domestic constitutional guarantees of free speech.
No government minister or ruling party representative has publicly endorsed the proposal, and the parliamentary secretary for law said existing laws are sufficient to address such offenses.
What happens next in the legislative process
The proposal has been referred to the parliamentary standing committee on law, justice and parliamentary affairs for review, a process that could take several months.
If the committee recommends changes, the bill would need to pass both houses of parliament and receive presidential assent to become law.
What punishment does current law allow for hurting religious sentiments?
Under existing laws, deliberately hurting religious sentiments can result in up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Is there a specific blasphemy law in Bangladesh?
No, Bangladesh does not have a standalone blasphemy law; religious sentiment offenses are covered under Sections 295(A) and 298 of the Penal Code and the Cyber Security Act.
What punishment does current law allow for hurting religious sentiments?
Under existing laws, deliberately hurting religious sentiments can result in up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
