Dhaka, Aug 10 (bdnews24.com)—Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday asked Muslims in Bangladesh to follow the life of Prophet Muhammad (SM) and encourage people from other religions to convert to Islam.

"We want to let everyone know about Islam. We all should try to get others drawn to taking to Islam," Hasina said at the launch of a website on the Quran and the digital version of the holy book.

She hoped the message of peace in Islam would reach the people in all levels of society 'very easily' through this initiative of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Hasina said, "We want to reach the message of peace of Islam to people as we always hope that the aim of the teachings of the Holy Quran will be achieved."

"We need to do our duties to the people understanding the essence of Islam. I want to continue work for human welfare following the path shown by Prophet Muhammad (SM)."

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister inaugurated the web portal, Al Quran: Digital, in a laptop and the application in an iPad.

Arabic, Bengalee and English versions, both for reading and listening, of the Quran will be available on the website (www.quran.gov.bd). The Quran can be downloaded in e-book format from the site while 'Al Quran: Digital' will also be available in DVDs.

Hasina also expressed gratitude to the Almighty Allah for having the opportunity to inaugurate the website in the month of holy Ramadan, also the month of the advent of the holy book.

She congratulated everyone related to this government initiative. "Even in this month of mourning, I will say I am happy today," she said, referring to the Aug 15, 1975 assassination of her father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and much of her family.

She said she had put forward some suggestions to the State Minister and Secretary to the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Dec 21, 2010, about digitalising the Quran and the web portal was inaugurated within one and a half years.

"I am so happy that they have been able to finish this nicely in such short time," she said, dubbing it as the 'biggest achievement' of the ministry. "It is our responsibility to preserve the Quran," she added.

Hasina also reminisced about Sheikh Mujib's contribution in promoting and spreading Islam through establishing Islamic Foundation and Madrasa Board as well as her government's initiatives.

bdnews24.com/sum/jk/trb/bd/1530h