Political parties, different organisations and Islamic experts gave statements also yesterday about the unacceptable and unapproved cartoon inadvertently published in the 431st issue of the daily Prothom Alo's satire magazine Aalpin last Monday.
The statements expressed strong condemnation and resentment at the objectionable cartoon.
A few political parties, meanwhile, said the Prothom Alo authorities have shown responsibility by withdrawing the cartoon a day after it was published and taking measures against the cartoonist and others responsible. They called upon the religious general people not to step in any trap by any provocation.
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Moulana Motiur Rahman Nizami and Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid in a joint statement said the Prothom Alo through its "overbearing" behaviour hurt the Iman and Akida of the Muslims of Bangladesh and the world.
BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain said the pious Muslims of the country were enraged for using the name of Prophet Muhammad (SM) in the cartoon. He hoped that the Prothom Alo will restrain from publishing such cartoon in future.
Islami Oikya Jote Chairman Mufti Fazlul Haq Amini in a statement demanded ban on publication of the Prothom Alo and arrest of its editor.
Sarsina Pir Hazrat Moulana Shah Mohammad Muhibullah in a statement demanded trial of all involved with the publishing of the cartoon. He called upon all not to lose patience.
Islami Shashantantra Andolon, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon (Shaikhul Hadith), Befaqul Madarisil Arabia Bangladesh, and Tahfize Haramain Parishad Bangladesh demanded ban on the publication of the Prothom Alo. Khelafat Jubo Andolon burned copies of the daily at Lalbagh after Zohr prayers yesterday.
Hizbut-Tahrir Bangladesh held a demonstration rally at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque after Asr prayers, demanding ban on the publication of the Prothom Alo.
Leaders of the organisation demanded arrest of the daily's editor and publisher. Student wing of Hizbut-Tahrir also gave statements with the same demand.
Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Haq Inu and General Secretary Syed Zafar Sajjad in a statement said the Prothom Alo authorities have shown responsibility withdrawing the cartoon immediately and taking actions against the cartoonist and others concerned.
Coordinator of the central executive body of Ganatantrik Bam Morcha Khalequzzaman, Tipu Biswas, Saiful Haq, Zonaid Saki, Badrul Alam, Babul Biswas and Abdul Talukder also jointly urged all not to give way to any provocation for the sake of democracy, tolerance and congenial environment.