Qawmi Parishad Bangladesh has expressed concern, condemnation and protest over an alleged same-sex wedding event at the Dhakeshwari Temple premises. In a statement published on July 31, its president, Mufti Imranul Bari Siraji, also khatib of Gulistan Pir Yemeni Jame Mosque in the capital, demanded an impartial investigation and action against those involved under existing laws.

Siraji said Bangladesh’s constitution, social values and religious traditions place importance on family structures and morality. He claimed that homosexuality is punishable under the country’s existing laws. According to the statement, organising an event publicly in the name of a same-sex wedding would show disregard for the law and could create moral decline and disorder in society.

He further said that Islam and the country’s major religions do not legitimise homosexuality. Holding such a programme around a religious place of worship or sacred site could hurt religious sentiments and harm social harmony, he said. The statement urged relevant ministries, law-enforcement agencies and the administration to investigate how the incident occurred, who was involved and whether there was any negligence in carrying out duties, while taking steps to prevent similar events.