Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Shafiqur Rahman has stated that his party does not support dividing the nation on the basis of religion, emphasising the importance of national unity among all faith communities.
Speaking as chief guest at the ‘Dayee O Wayez Sammelan’ (conference of preachers and orators) organised by Jamaat’s Central Ulama Committee at Al-Falah Auditorium in Moghbazar on Saturday, Shafiqur Rahman noted: “According to the latest census, 90.8 per cent of the country’s population is Muslim, while the rest are Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. But we are not in favour of dividing the nation along religious lines. We want to see a united Bangladesh.”
He stressed that individuals hold diverse religious beliefs and should be free to embrace faith according to their own conscience. “People will accept religion from their own perspective and conviction,” he said, adding that the duty of dayee (Islamic preachers) is to follow the eternal guidance of the Quran and the teachings and example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and to invite others to do the same with wisdom and compassion.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s tradition of interfaith coexistence, he remarked: “As a nation, we Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians have lived together here for decades. While there are several countries in the world that boast communal harmony, Bangladesh holds a special place in this regard.”
The Jamaat Amir also called for unity among Islamic scholars (Ulema), urging them to stand together on fundamental issues of faith and national importance. “The nation expects the ulema to be united on core Islamic principles and essential matters of public life,” he said. “Of course, differences may arise on secondary issues and we must accept those with tolerance. We cannot afford self-destructive quarrels or bitter disputes. Personal conversations should be guided by goodwill and mutual respect.”
Addressing journalists present at the event, he appealed to the media to act as a moral compass: “You must use your wisdom to awaken the nation’s conscience. The media is called the mirror of society. You must reflect reality as it is, not in black and white, but in its full complexity. That is our expectation of you.”
The conference was presided over by Abdul Halim, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and President of the Central Ulama Divisional Committee. Also present were Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan, and Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Head of the Media and Publicity Department.