Political parties seem eager for conflict; you'll see it unfold within months: Adviser Mahfuj

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam today (25 October) warned that political parties are "eager for conflict" ahead of the upcoming elections, and tensions are likely to become visible in the coming months, reports Prothom Alo. 

"Everyone is eager for conflict, and you will definitely see it in a few months. I fear that if the religious perspective is added, the situation in Bangladesh will deteriorate further," he said while speaking at a national dialogue titled 'Shrine Culture: Violence, Crisis and Future Thought' at BM Bhaban in Segunbagicha. 

Mahfuj also said he believes that the parties have so far refrained from open confrontation because of the chief adviser's stance against such possibilities. 

He added that although state fascism has ended, social-level fascism remains. 

"Without dialogue and connection among all Islamic streams in the country, the state will face serious challenges. At least 90-92% of Muslims belong to different sects, yet political leaders have failed to coordinate them. Instead, they have divided them along sectarian lines, turning religious institutions into political tools," Mahfuj said.

Referring to recent attacks on shrines, he said, "Some embassies in Bangladesh want the shrines to be destroyed. We must address these crises from a state, political, and policy perspective, without fearing potential religious backlash. Otherwise, the crisis will continue to escalate."

Urging the management authorities of the attacked shrines to take legal action, the adviser said, "If this culture continues, one group of Islam will target the mosques of another. Today it is against the Sufis, tomorrow it could be against the Qaumi. This cycle cannot continue."

After the end of his speech, when a journalist asked when the adviser will resign, Mahfuj declined to answer, noting that the question was unrelated to the topic of discussion.