'I've been sent as Allah's messenger': Jamaat candidate Krishna Nandi attempts to woo Khulna-1 voters

A statement by Krishna Nandi, the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for the Khulna-1 constituency in the 13th national election, claiming that he had been sent "as a messenger of Allah," has gone viral on social media over the past few days.

In a widely circulated video clip, Krishna is heard saying, "Our leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman has sent me amongst you. Why has he sent me? I have been sent here as Allah's messenger. Otherwise, why would I come to you? What reason do I have?"

Local voters said Krishna made the remarks during an election campaign rally of the Jamaat-led 10-party alliance in Gangarampur Union of Batiaghata Upazila on Friday afternoon (23 January).

A review of the full video of his speech shows that the Jamaat candidate also said, "Since I am here today, I want to say one thing. I am a simple, straightforward person. I do not understand deceit or trickery. I was not born into a family of cheats."

Claiming that he comes from a respectable family, he named his father and forefathers and said, "My father and grandfather were involved with the Muslim League, while I am with Jamaat-e-Islami. I cannot be intimidated or suppressed. If that were possible, I would not have contested with the scale symbol.

"Why have I become one of the most talked-about candidates among the 300 constituencies in Bangladesh? I will live here with your love, and I will die here."

Krishna urged party activists to go door to door in every village to seek votes politely. "We will beg for votes in a civil manner. We will not demand votes at gunpoint," he said.

Krishna has previously gone viral on social media for various remarks, including those made following his surprise nomination from Jamaat.

Commenting on this, he said that before his candidacy, few people knew the name of the Dakop-Batiaghata area. "Because of me, this area has gained global recognition. After winning the election, I will make the area even more well-known and ensure development."

Meanwhile, BNP-nominated candidate Amir Ezaz Khan accused Krishna of using religion in election campaigning. "He [Krishna] says Hindus have to chant his name after death, and tells Muslims that he has been sent as a messenger from Allah. This is a clear violation of the electoral code of conduct."