United News of Bangladesh

Stating that the justice and fairness, inspired by the ideals of Prophet Muhammad (SM), will guide his party’s governance if it returns to power, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday (November 23) sought support from imams, khatibs, muezzins and Islamic scholars for his party in the next national election. “There was never any doubt about the Greatest Prophet’s fairness. InshAllah, BNP’s guiding principle in governing the country will be justice and fairness, upholding the Prophet’s ideals,” he said. Speaking virtually at the National Conference of the Sammilito Imam-Khatib, the BNP leader also said his party wants to build an equitable Bangladesh based on justice inspired by the Prophet’s teachings. “BNP seeks the prayers and support of all respected imams, khatibs, muezzins, Islamic scholars, alems and pir-mashaikh of the country in the upcoming election to build such a Bangladesh,” he said. The BNP leader urged Islamic scholars and ulema to pray for his mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, for the leaders, workers and supporters of BNP, and for the people of the country. Don’t exploit July-August uprising for political gain: Salahuddin “May Allah grant me and our party the chance to carry out every righteous deed for the welfare of the nation and its people. For this, I seek your prayers, support and cooperation,” he added. The conference, organised by the Sammilito Imam-Khatib Parishad, was held at the Bangladesh–China Friendship Conference Centre. Mufti Azharul Islam, the member-secretary of the conference committee, presented the seven-point demands of the imams and khatibs at the programme. Tarique said the long one-and-a-half decades of Awami League’s oppressive rule once again proved that to protect religious faith, Islam, and the country’s independence and sovereignty, there is no alternative to unity. “So, the upcoming national election is extremely important and significant for consolidating the freedom of the country and its people,” he said. Tarique recalled that during the BNP government in 1993, mosque-based child and mass education programmes were introduced for the first time in the country and continue to this day. He said BNP also plans to involve imams and muezzins in future disaster prevention programmes and local development activities across all districts and upazilas. Fakhrul warns Jamaat against ‘misleading people’ by linking votes with ‘Jannat’ The BNP leader praised imams, khatibs and muezzins for their role as social reformers, saying, “Despite limitations, you have devoted your time to the moral and spiritual upliftment of society. BNP believes it is the state’s responsibility to provide financial support to those who are struggling.” “I believe there is every possibility of fulfilling several of the demands you have presented on a priority basis. You have called for the formulation of service rules for imams, khatibs, and muezzins. This is a very logical demand,” he said. In many mosques, Tarique said, the employment of imams and muezzins depends on the personal preferences of mosque committees. “I think this should not happen…I consider this an unfair practice against imams and muezzins. If the BNP gets the opportunity to govern the state, we will take priority measures to introduce service rules for you. The BNP government will also take effective initiatives to implement the other demands that have been presented,” he said. The BNP leader also urged the imams and khatibs to form multiple committees and submit specific recommendations on each of the demands to the BNP. Bangladesh can't progress without women’s safety online and offline: Tarique Rahman  Tarique also highlighted his party’s commitment to strengthening the Imam-Muezzin Welfare Trust and implementing projects to make mosque personnel more self-reliant. “Guided by Islamic values, the BNP believes in a welfare-oriented society and state where Muslims can live according to the Qur’an and Sunnah without fear, and practise their religious duties safely and confidently,” he said. At the same time, the BNP leader said, people of other faiths will also be free and secure in practising their own religions and cultures. “The BNP has never compromised on the core principles or beliefs of Islam, and, InshaAllah, never will.” He said after independence, the Awami League drafted the constitution to suit their own interests, ignoring the aspirations of the majority. When BNP founder President Ziaur Rahman later took charge, Tarique said he added ‘Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim’ to the constitution and affirmed trust and faith in Almighty Allah. “The phrase ‘trust and faith in Almighty Allah’ is no longer kept in the constitution in its original form. Why has it been changed? I place this question before you today.” Bhasani a lasting inspiration for democracy, rights: Tarique He said the BNP has always spoken out against any activity harmful to Islam or the interests of Muslims. “The fallen autocrat repeatedly tried to undermine Islam and Islamic culture in the state and society.” In 2013, Tarique said, during the crackdown on thousands of Hefazat-e-Islam supporters at Shapla Chattar, the BNP stood by them and observed two days of hartal nationwide in protest against the massacre. He said there are around 350,000 mosques in the country, where nearly 17 lakh imams, khatibs and muezzins serve. “Sustainable development is not possible while excluding lakhs of imams, khatibs, muezzins and madrasa students from national development activities.” Speaking at the programme, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said if the BNP returns to power, no law will be enacted that goes against the Qur’an and Sunnah, and any such existing laws will be repealed. The BNP leader said President Ziaur Rahman had inserted ‘Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim’ into the constitution’s preamble, but it is no longer there, and the BNP will restore it in the future. Khaleda admitted to Evercare Hospital with chest infection

Religious Advisor Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain has stated that islamic scholars (Ulama) are the assets of the nation, and each scholar is like a beacon of light. He made these comments while addressing an exchange of views meeting with teachers, students, and religious scholars at the Jamia Al-Islamia Darul Uloom Chakmarkul Madrasa in Cox's Bazar's Ramu upazila this evening. The Religious Advisor emphasized the close connection between scholars and the people. He said, "There are nearly 350,000 mosques in Bangladesh. These mosques maintain close relations with the worshippers, and therefore, the scholarly community is a symbol of public power. This power must be harnessed for the welfare of the Muslim Ummah and the country." He further added, "It is because of madrassas that Islam has survived, and people wear beards and caps. During the holy month of Ramadan, mosques overflow with worshippers." He assured the gathering of the Ministry of Religious Affairs' full support for the development of mosques and madrassas. Health Protection Act still pending since 2014: Health Adviser Addressing the students, the Advisor advised them to broaden their vision and expand their hearts. "The world should not be seen as narrow, it is vast. Madrassa students must play a role in the betterment of the country and the nation." The event was chaired by Maulana Muhammad Muslim, Director of Khaliliya Siddiquia Faizul Uloom Madrasa. Among others, Religious Secretary Md. Abdul Hamid Jamaddar, Additional Secretary (Development) Md. Abdul Awal Howlader, Personal Secretary to the Advisor Sadek Ahmed, Hafiz Abdul Hak, and Maulana Sirajul Islam Sikdar were also present.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today called upon Alem and Olama (Islamic scholars) to instil humanitarian values among people and guide them against terrorism, militancy and drug addiction. “These are destroying families and the society as well,” she said while virtually inaugurating 50 more model mosques across the country from her official residence Ganabhaban. She also requested all, particularly the children, not to get involved in militancy, saying, “Militancy is dishonouring Islam instead of dignifying it.” Sheikh Hasina urged the guardians and teachers of educational institutions to be cautious as children and youths are targeted by militants. “We can develop our society in a beautiful manner by erasing miseducation, differences, conflicts, terrorism, and militancy through realising the true sense of Islam,” she said. The prime minister said that through the model mosques and Islamic cultural centres, people would get true knowledge on Islamic values and culture. This will help in not being misled in the name of religion, alongside contributing immensely to stop terrorism, militancy and repression on women, she added. Also read; PM Hasina urges affluent section to stand by destitute people She said that the government has undertaken the projects of constructing model mosques so that no one can mislead people in the name of Islam. The PM said the model mosques would enhance people’s knowledge of Islam – a religion of peace, fraternity and friendship. “It would help stop terrorism, militancy and repression on women, with imparting the true knowledge of Islamic values and culture on people,” she said. Describing the Alem and Olama as the “Orasatul Ambia”, she said people of the country respect the Khatibs and Imams of mosques. “Make sure that none can mislead people using our religion. You can educate people to refrain from getting involved in social ills that include drug addiction, child marriage, repression of women, food adulteration and corruption through your daily sermons and khutba during Jummah,” she said. Also read; AL always fulfills election pledges made to the nation: PM Hasina She said religion cannot be used as a political weapon. “Our target is to put an end to torture and repression, using religion,” she said. The PM said Islam ensures free exercise of religions by people of all faiths. “Irrespective of political identity and opinion, we can build a developed, prosperous and ‘Smart Bangladesh’ – with equal respect to every religion and with the non-communal spirit,” she said. Sheikh Hasina said that Awami League has always been a “servant of Islam”, and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman stopped racing, gambling and alcohol sales. She mentioned that Bangabandhu established madrasa board, allocated land for Baitul Mukarram Mosque and Ijtema ground – to uphold Islam.   “Bangabandhu had taken initiatives to hold Bishwa Ijtema in Bangladesh and incorporate the country as a member of the OIC,” she said. Following the ideals of the Father of the Nation, she said they have taken various programmes to dignify Islam that includes constructing 564 model mosques at each of the upazilas and districts. The prime minister said that she has so far opened 100 model mosques across the country while the rest will be opened in phases. The government is now building three storey model mosques and Islamic cultural centres in every upazila and four storey mosque in every district. State Minister for Religious Affairs Ministry Md Faridul Haque Khan and its Secretary Kazi Enamul Hassan spoke at the function from the Osmani Memorial Auditorium. Rajshahi, Shariatpur and Chouddagram of Cumilla district sites were also connected to the programme, where the local lawmakers, public representatives, political parties, government officers and common people were present. A video-documentary on the model mosques and Islamic cultural centres was screened at the function.

The good relations that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had with the country's Islamic scholars and experts continues today.

Terrorism is a global challenge; terrorists have no religion, no boundaries.