Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said that the party does not support dividing the nation based on religion and called for using knowledge guided by the Qur’an and Hadith for the welfare of the country.

He made the remarks on Saturday (October 4) while addressing a national conference of Islamic preachers and scholars organized by the party’s Central Ulama Committee at Al-Falah Auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar.

“Bangladesh is an exceptional example of communal harmony. For decades, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians have lived together peacefully as one nation,” Dr Shafiqur said. “According to the latest census, 90.8 percent of the population is Muslim, while the rest belong to other faiths. But we are not in favor of dividing the nation along religious lines — we want to see a united Bangladesh.”

The Jamaat chief said that despite many years since independence, a humane and responsible society has yet to be established, and he urged Islamic scholars (Ulama) to guide the nation during this period of moral and social crisis.

He emphasized that the nation expects the Ulama to show unity on fundamental Islamic principles and national issues. “The country wants to see a strong and united leadership among Islamic scholars. They must listen to one another and avoid unnecessary disputes — only then can they truly guide the nation on the right path,” he said.

Dr Shafiqur added that Imams are not just leaders in prayer but also moral leaders of their communities, and therefore must act with a sense of social responsibility.

He further cautioned, “One educated person can cause harm to a nation that thousands together cannot,” urging God-fearing and righteous individuals to take leadership roles to establish peace and justice in society.

“The damage one can inflict with the stroke of a pen cannot be matched by thousands acting together. The Ulama have a great role to play in nation-building,” he added.

MN/