Muezzin Dismissed Over Political Activity Allegations

A muezzin at a mosque in Sapahar Upazila, Naogaon, has reportedly been dismissed from his position after allegedly campaigning in support of a BNP candidate. The incident has sparked local controversy, particularly after the muezzin, Al Amin Chowdhury, publicly shared his account on social media.

Al Amin had served as the muezzin at Talpukur Masterpara Jame Mosque for the past four years. According to him, pressure from local political actors linked to Jamaat-e-Islami led to his removal. The allegations prompted significant discussion online, although the local Jamaat branch has denied any involvement.

Speaking to the media, Al Amin stated, “I have faithfully performed my duties for many years. However, because of my association with the student wing of the BNP and my support for their candidate via posts on Facebook, the mosque committee repeatedly pressured me to abandon politics. Certain leaders and activists from Jamaat exerted influence on the committee to remove me from my role.”

Al Amin further described a series of events that culminated in his dismissal. “Attempts had been ongoing for some time to remove me from my position due to my political activities. Additionally, I protested the eviction of a grocery shop located in front of the mosque. Last night, the mosque authorities proceeded to remove the shop. I requested a short period to clear the goods, but the committee president, Elahi Box, and others reacted angrily and subsequently terminated my employment. The root cause of this action is clearly political.”

In response, the mosque committee president, Elahi Box, defended the decision. “No one prefers political activities by an imam or muezzin. Many opposed Al Amin’s overt support for a particular party. Moreover, a shop run by a young man named Rocky had been allowed to operate in front of the mosque. Despite repeated warnings, the shop was not removed, so the committee and local residents agreed to its eviction. Al Amin took the side of the shopkeeper, which led to the decision to dismiss him.”

The incident has also prompted allegations directed at Jamaat-e-Islami, which the organisation has categorically denied. In a statement signed by Sapahar Upazila Jamaat Amir Abul Khayer, the party asserted, “The claims made by Al Amin on his Facebook account are completely false, baseless, misleading, and deliberately motivated. No leaders or members of Jamaat at any level were involved in this incident.”

Summary of Key Details

The case underscores the sensitive intersection of politics and religious duties in local communities, with social media amplifying disputes and public debate.