Staff Reporter :
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday appealed to imams, khatibs, muezzins, and Islamic scholars across Bangladesh to extend their support to the BNP in the upcoming national election, saying the party’s future governance would be guided by the ideals of justice and fairness exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (SM).
Speaking virtually at the National Conference of the Sammilito Imam-Khatib Parishad held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, Tarique said the Prophet’s integrity and commitment to justice stand as an eternal model. “There has never been any doubt about the fairness of the Greatest Prophet.
InshAllah, if the BNP forms the government, justice, equality, and the Prophet’s ideals will be our guiding principles,” he said.
Tarique emphasized that the BNP wants to build an equitable and just Bangladesh inspired by Islamic teachings.
He sought prayers for his mother Begum Khaleda Zia, the BNP’s leaders and activists, and the people of the country, saying, “May Allah grant me and our party the opportunity to carry out every righteous deed for the welfare of the nation. For this, I seek your prayers, support, and cooperation.”
At the event, Mufti Azharul Islam, member secretary of the conference committee, presented a seven-point list of demands from imams and khatibs. Responding to their concerns, Tarique said many of these demands-particularly the call for a formal service structure for imams, khatibs, and muezzins-are logical and deserve priority.
He criticised the existing system in many mosques, where the employment of religious leaders depends on the whims of mosque committees.
“This should not happen. It is an unfair practice. If the BNP gets the chance to govern, we will introduce proper service rules an
d take steps to fulfil the other demands you have outlined,” he said.
Recalling past initiatives, Tarique highlighted that it was the BNP government that launched mosque-based child and mass education programmes in 1993, which are still in operation.
He also said the party plans to involve imams and muezzins in disaster-prevention activities and grassroots development efforts in the future.
Tarique praised religious scholars for their roles as moral and social reformers, noting that many serve with dedication despite limited financial support.
He pledged that a future BNP government would strengthen the Imam-Muezzin Welfare Trust and introduce projects to help mosque personnel become more self-reliant.
Affirming BNP’s commitment to a welfare-oriented state rooted in Islamic values, Tarique said Muslims must be able to practise their religion without fear.
At the same time, he stressed that people of all faiths would enjoy complete freedom and security. “The BNP has never compromised on the fundamental principles of Islam, and InshaAllah, never will.”
He criticised the Awami League for altering constitutional principles after independence, contrasting it with President Ziaur Rahman’s decision to insert “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” into the constitution. Tarique said the phrase has since been removed in its original form and demanded an explanation.
He also recalled the BNP’s support for Hefazat-e-Islam during the 2013 Shapla Chattar crackdown, saying the party had protested the killings by enforcing a two-day nationwide hartal.
With more than 350,000 mosques and around 17 lakh imams, khatibs, and muezzins in the country, Tarique said inclusive national development cannot be achieved while excluding such a large segment of religious workers.
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, also speaking at the event, reaffirmed that no law contradicting the Qur’an and Sunnah would remain in place under a future BNP government.
