It is the latest protest to rack Bangladesh, deepening tensions between secularists and the largest Islamic party, Jamaat-e-Islami, whose leaders are under trial for crimes committed during the country’s 1971 war of independence.

The Islamists converged on Dhaka’s main commercial hub to protest against what they say are blasphemous writings by atheist bloggers, defying a pro-government national strike by secular protesters – who staged a smaller rival protest in Dhaka Saturday – aimed at resisting the march.

Police said about 100,000 people attended the rally during which protesters chanted “God is great, hang the atheist bloggers”.

Hefajat-e-Islam, an Islamic group which draws support from tens of thousands of seminaries, organised the rally in support of its 13-point demand including enactment of a blasphemy law to prosecute and hang atheist bloggers.

Under the country’s current cyber laws, a blogger or Internet writer can face up to 10 years in jail for defaming a religion.   »»» adelaidenow (Australia)

There is no evidence that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) every had anyone killed for insulting him or the religion of Islam. In the Qur’an, Allah says, speaking to Muhammad, “Show forgiveness, and enjoin kindness, and turn away from the ignorant.” (Q. 7:199) The beloved wife of the Prophet, Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) said, “The Prophet (peace be upon him)…never avenged any wrong done to him personally….” (Sahih Muslim)

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