We have to bear with the civil system . . . We will improve gradually. One of the reasons, arguably, the coup was not widely condemned is that there was this general, diffuse fear that the military was the last bulwark against an Islamist takeover. The fact is that I have retracted only on one issue and that has nothing to do with the blasphemy law. This was an administrative action.
Nobody can change the blasphemy law.
This was an administrative order that in case of a blasphemy charge, let it be verified by the deputy commissioner. This had no bearing on the blasphemy law itself. This minor change became very contentious. Also there was a school of thought which said we'd be risking the life of the individual charged with blasphemy. The more we delay, a crowd in frenzy may get hold of a man and kill him.