Mamunul Haque pledges to build Dhaka-13 as a safe zone
In an exclusive interview with BSS, Maulana Mamunul Haque focused on his vision, July Charter, and overall election environment.
Maulana Muhammad Mamunul Haque, a prominent Islamic scholar and political leader, has pledged to transform Dhaka-13 constituency into a safe zone by eradicating terrorism, extortion, drugs, and the juvenile gang culture if elected in the upcoming polls.
Mamunul Haque, current ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and Joint Secretary General of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, is contesting the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for 12 February.
Representing the 11-party alliance under the 'Rickshaw' symbol, he has been a long-standing advocate for an ideal-based society and a state system built on justice.
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Born in September 1973, he is the son of the late Shaykhul Hadith Allama Azizul Huq (RA), a renowned Hadith scholar and the first Bengali translator of Sahih al-Bukhari.
Maulana Haque secured first place in his Dawra-e-Hadith from Jamia Rahmania Arabia and holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Economics from the Asian University of Bangladesh.
In an exclusive interview with BSS, Maulana Mamunul Haque focused on his vision, July Charter, and overall election environment.
BSS: What is your primary electoral pledge for the voters of your constituency?
Mamunul Haque: My main commitment is to develop the Dhaka-13 area as a safe area for citizens. This area is currently plagued by terrorism, extortion, drugs, and menace of juvenile gangs. If elected, I will adopt a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and extortion. I intend to completely uproot the drug trade. Regarding the youth involved in gangs, I want to bring them back to the right path with compassion—embracing them and providing opportunities for education, entertainment, and employment.
BSS: What are your instructions to your party leaders and activists regarding the electoral code of conduct?
Mamunul Haque: I have given clear directives to all my supporters to strictly adhere to the election code of conduct at every stage. Our conduct must reflect the noble ideals of Islam. Our campaign will be clean, and we will not obstruct the activities of any other candidate. We will not be provoked into chaos; we will not commit any injustice, and if we witness any wrongdoing by others, we will inform the authorities rather than taking the law in our own hands.
BSS: What is your stance on the referendum on July Charter?
Mamunul Haque: The July Charter is a reflection of the bloodshed by martyrs from the Shapla protests to the July Revolution, and it represents the aspirations of the students and the masses. I have maintained from the beginning that constitutional recognition of this charter is essential. Taking a direct public mandate through a referendum will give the goals of the mass uprising a permanent and legitimate shape. I believe the implementation of this charter will be the foundation of future politics in a fascism-free Bangladesh. I urge everyone to vote 'Yes' in the referendum.
BSS: What are your expectations for the upcoming National Parliamentary Election?
Mamunul Haque: I look forward to a festive and participatory election where, after a long time, ordinary people can exercise their right to vote without hindrance. I want to see an environment free from muscle power, influence of black money, and intimidation. I hope the people will reject the politics of power, instead vote overwhelmingly for the 11-party alliance in favour of justice.
