Cleric under fire for skipping sermon despite advance payment

Maulana Shuaib Ahmed Ashrafi has come under fire for failing to attend a waz mahfil in Chauhali, Sirajganj, after receiving an advance of Tk 50,000. 

Locals are now calling for a boycott of the speaker and demanding a refund of the money.

Maulana Shuaib Ahmed Ashrafi, the founding director of Shahjahanpur Madanitul Ulum Jamia Ashrafia Madrasa in Habiganj, was scheduled to be the main speaker at the event held on December 11 at the Sambhudia Multipurpose High School ground. 

Despite receiving the advance payment, he did not show up, leading to widespread anger among the organizing committee and the local community.

The president of the Mahfil committee, Al Hafiz, explained, "We contacted Shuaib Ahmed Ashrafi a year ago through the youth society. He accepted the invitation and took TK 50,000 in two installments to attend the Mahfil. Despite receiving the money, he did not attend." He has now called for both a refund of the payment and punitive action against Ashrafi.

Local resident Abdul Haque also voiced his frustration: "We worked tirelessly for 15 days to organise the Mahfil. Relatives and friends visited every house in the village to promote it. But despite taking Tk 50,000, the main speaker did not attend. He has deceived us. We want our money back and demand a boycott of him."

When contacted, Maulana Shuaib Ahmed Ashrafi explained the situation, telling Jago News, "I went to the location at the specified time according to the address provided by the organising committee. However, I had to return because their car did not arrive at the Mahfil venue. I will return the money when I visit the madrasa."