Tarique urges Islamic scholars to back BNP in upcoming polls

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has urged imams, khatibs, muezzins, and Islamic scholars to support his party in the upcoming national election.

Speaking virtually at the National Conference of the Sammilito Imam-Khatib today (23 November), the BNP leader stated that justice and fairness, inspired by the ideals of Prophet Muhammad (SM), would guide the party's governance if it returns to power

"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.

The BNP leader also said his party wants to build an "equitable Bangladesh" based on justice inspired by the Prophet's teachings.

Tarique Rahman addressed the issue of the employment and welfare of mosque officials, saying, "In many mosques, the positions of imam and muazzin depend on the will or reluctance of the mosque committee. I believe this should not happen, and it is unfair to the imams and muazzins. 

"If BNP gets the opportunity to form the government, it will prioritise implementing your service rules. We will also take effective initiatives to address the other demands you have presented."

He emphasised BNP's commitment to Islamic values, stating, "Guided by the Quran and Sunnah, BNP envisions a welfare society and state system where Muslims can practice their faith freely and safely, while followers of other religions can also observe their beliefs and cultural practices without fear. BNP has never compromised on the basic principles of Islam and never will."

Highlighting BNP's stance, he said the party has always opposed actions undermining Islam and Muslims. 

"The fallen, defeated, fugitive dictatorship tried in many ways to discredit Islam, Muslims, and Islamic culture in our society," he added.

Tarique Rahman noted that there are approximately 350,000 mosques in Bangladesh, managed either privately or by the government, with around 170,000 imams, khatibs, and muazzins performing religious duties. 

He went on to say, "It is impossible to develop the country sustainably while excluding imams, muazzins, and madrasa students from the state's progressive activities. BNP has formulated a specific action plan in this regard for its upcoming programme."

He also outlined the party's plans for financial support and welfare. 

"BNP believes the state should provide necessary financial assistance to imams, khatibs, and muazzins who serve as social reformers or are financially disadvantaged. We plan to provide a monthly honorarium to eligible imams, khatibs, and muazzins from state funds. Additionally, BNP aims to strengthen the Imam-Muazzin Welfare Trust to promote financial self-reliance, implement multifaceted projects, and involve imams and muazzins in disaster prevention and community service."