Environment, Forests and Climate Change Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud has said that prayers on mosques built on occupied land won’t be accepted. He made the observation at an environment related discussion held at the National Press Club by IUCN on occasion of the World Environment Day.
Saying that religion is being exploited to occupy land and then build mosques, the minister observed: “I am aware of the land by the river which is being discussed and, have seen people using religion to carry out illegal occupation.”
He further lamented that mosques were being built on occupied land, so if any illegal structure had to be removed the mosques would also have to be demolished.
“I may not have an in depth knowledge about religion but know that prayers offered in a mosque constructed on occupied land will not be divinely accepted.”
The minister underlined such action as unethical, exhorting all participants at the seminar to speak resolutely on such transgressions.