People who are not in favour of standing firm do not need to attend the Qur’an recitation gathering

Sirajganj, Bangladesh – Controversy has erupted after Jamaat-e-Islami’s Sirajganj-6 (Shahjadpur) candidate and local party Amir, Md. Mizanur Rahman, stated that attending Quran recitation ceremonies (Mahalfil) is unnecessary for those who do not support his “Daarripall” platform.

The remarks were reportedly made during a recent Islamic gathering at the Swaruppur and Kashinathpur Abdul Majid Hafizia and Dakhil Madrasas in Kayempur Union, aimed at supporting madrasa development. A video of his speech, which surfaced on social media on Saturday, 10 January, quickly went viral.

In the video, Mizanur Rahman is heard saying:
“Those who do not support Daarripall have no need to attend the Quran Mahalfil. I urge everyone to stand for the cause of the Quran and the laws of Allah.”

The statement has sparked intense debate online, drawing thousands of comments both supporting and opposing his remarks.

However, Mizanur Rahman later clarified, stating:
“I gave this speech at the gathering two months ago. The video does not accurately represent my words. My intention was to encourage everyone to follow the path of the Quran.”

Critics, including Sirajganj District BNP General Secretary Saidur Rahman Bachchu, argued that Jamaat-e-Islami often exploits religion for political purposes. He said:
“Religious scholars often reject Jamaat because the party seeks to establish its interpretation of Maududism. Given that the majority of our population is Muslim, they use religion as a political tool. Discussing Quranic teachings at an Islamic gathering should not be used for political campaigning.”

This incident follows a series of controversial remarks by Jamaat candidates across Bangladesh in recent days:

Analysts warn that leveraging religious sentiments in political campaigns risks violating the electoral code of conduct and undermines democratic norms. Election authorities have already taken action in some cases, including issuing show-cause notices, highlighting the growing scrutiny over political use of religion.

The surge in viral videos and online debates reflects the sensitivity of intertwining faith and politics in Bangladesh, especially during the run-up to parliamentary elections. Public reaction suggests that while religion remains a core part of society, voters are increasingly critical of its exploitation for political gain.