BNP has always been vocal against any attempts that go against the interests of Islam and Muslims. The fallen, defeated, and fugitive dictatorship tried in various ways to demean Islam, Muslims, and Islamic culture in the state and society. You surely remember that in 2024, during the holy month of Ramadan, a sudden ban was imposed on Muslims’ religious cultural practice of organising Iftar gatherings. The ban was not an isolated incident; it was part of a far-reaching conspiracy against Islamic values and culture in Bangladesh. At that time, BNP strongly protested this misconduct.
In 2013, in Shapla Square in the capital, a crackdown was carried out on thousands of Hefazat-e-Islam leaders and supporters, likewise the attack of the occupational forces. BNP organised nationwide programmes, including a two-day hartal (strike), in protest against mass killings and in support of Hefazat-e-Islam.
Considering the importance of certificates in any profession or employment, the initiative to recognise the highest degree of Qawmi madrasa students, Dawra-e-Hadith (Takmeel), as equivalent to a master’s degree, was taken during the tenure of Begum Khaleda Zia’s government in 2006.
Currently, the country has over 50,000 madrasas of various levels, including Qawmi and Alia, both government and private, whether registered or unregistered. Millions of students are studying in these madrasas. Across the country, under both government and private management, there are approximately 350,000 mosques. Around 17 lakh imams, khatibs, and muazzins are performing religious duties in these mosques.
We cannot achieve sustainable development in the country if we exclude millions of mosques, madrasas, imams, muazzins, and madrasa students from state-driven progressive initiatives. Acknowledging this reality, the BNP has devised a comprehensive action plan as part of its future agenda.
The Combined Imam-Khatib Council raised several demands at its conference on Sunday, addressing the interests of ulema, imams, khatibs, and muazzins. There are scopes to fulfil many of the demands you have presented on a priority basis. You have requested the formulation of a service rule for imams, khatibs, and muazzins. This demand of yours is entirely reasonable. In many mosques, the employment of imams and muazzins depends on the whims or preferences of the mosque committees, which should not be the case. I consider such treatment unjust behaviour against Imams and Muazzins.
.jpg "Former minister, Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed dies")
