Pir of Charmonai Rejects Foreign Influence in Favour of Faith

The Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim—widely known as the Pir of Charmonai—has delivered a scathing critique of the nation's political landscape, claiming that traditional parties have outsourced their sovereignty to foreign powers. Speaking at an election rally on Saturday, he alleged that the scales of justice in Bangladesh are being manipulated, with America on one side and India on the other.

The Symbolic Scales of Injustice

Addressing a large crowd in the Patuakhali-2 (Bauphal) constituency, the Pir invoked the imagery of the "scales" (Dandipalla), traditionally viewed as a symbol of equity. He questioned the integrity of those who claim to champion fairness while allegedly maintaining clandestine ties with global and regional powers.

"They claim the scales represent justice and righteousness. But what justice is this?" the Pir asked rhetorically. "Currently, we see the scales weighted with a hidden America on one side and a secret India on the other. The people of Bangladesh have no desire for American-style justice or Indian-style equity. We demand the justice of Islam."

A Critique of Fifty-Four Years of Governance

The Pir argued that the secular legal frameworks governing Bangladesh since its inception have failed the common man. He asserted that the revolutionary aspirations of the recent student-led uprisings are being jeopardised by "power-hungry, self-interested cliques" intent on maintaining the status quo.

The Call for the "Hand Fan"

Promoting his party’s "Hand Fan" (Hatpakha) symbol, Rezaul Karim urged voters to view their ballot as a spiritual endorsement. He claimed that every vote cast for his candidate, Mufti Abdul Malek Anowari, represents a tangible increase in the strength of Islamic values within the state.

The Pir promised a departure from the "politics of escape," referring to the historical tendency of Bangladeshi leaders to flee abroad following a change in government. He assured the electorate that Islami Andolan would foster a stable environment where political transitions do not result in the victimisation of the innocent.

Leadership Presence

The rally was presided over by the Bauphal parliamentary candidate, Mufti Abdul Malek Anowari, and featured speeches from senior party figures, including Nasir Ahmed Kawsar and Habibur Rahman Misbah. Local leaders from Patuakhali also voiced their support, framing the upcoming election as a definitive choice between foreign-influenced secularism and indigenous religious governance.