Bangladesh Nizam-e-Islam Party expressed deep concern and strong anger over allegations that Friday azan broadcasts were stopped through loudspeakers at several mosques in Kolkata and that loudspeakers were removed from many mosques. Acting Amir Allama Abdul Qayyum Subhani and Secretary-General Maulana Musa bin Izhar made the comments in a joint statement sent to the media on August 14.

The leaders said allegations of removing mosque loudspeakers and obstructing the normal broadcasting of azan should not be treated lightly. They said any noise-pollution law should be enforced equally for everyone. They argued that administrative pressure, intimidation or discriminatory measures directed at the places of worship of a particular religious community would directly harm religious freedom and the rule of law.

The statement described azan as an important religious symbol for Muslims and said attempts to restrict it under the pretext of noise control would be unacceptable. The leaders called differing enforcement against places of worship of different religions a troubling double standard for a democratic state. They said lasting social harmony requires justice and equal rights, warning that deprivation of religious rights and discriminatory law enforcement cannot establish permanent peace.