BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has criticized Jamaat-e-Islami’s ideology, stating that the majority of Bangladesh’s population, around 90 to 92 percent, adhere to the principles of Islam as practiced in Madina rather than the teachings of Abul A’la Maududi, an Indo-Pakistani scholar. Speaking at an Islamic conference named “Azmate Sahaba” at Narayanganj central Eidgah, he cautioned against individuals aiming to create turmoil among Muslims through sects and discord.
While Hefazat-e-Islam Amir Mohibullah Babunagari was expected to be the chief guest at the conference, he was absent, and the organization’s Secretary General Sajidur Rahman addressed the audience. The event, chaired by Hefazat’s Narayanganj district unit Amir Mufti Monir Hossain Kasemi, was attended by BNP and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh leaders and activists, alongside Hefazat representatives.
Salahuddin highlighted the exploitation of Islam for political gains, particularly evident during election periods in Bangladesh. Emphasizing the importance of practicing the true teachings of Islam, he urged vigilance against those promoting division and confusion within the Muslim community. He stressed the need to safeguard the religion from being manipulated for political motives.
Referring to the previous government led by Sheikh Hasina, Salahuddin described it as “Islam-hating” and accused it of engaging in divisive politics that undermined the interests of Muslims and Islamic scholars. Encouraging unity among the people, he called for a collective effort to uphold the sanctity of Islam from being exploited for political ends.