Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday sought the support and blessings of the country’s religious leaders, promising to build a justice-based and faith-aligned Bangladesh guided by the principles of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) if his party wins the next parliamentary election.

“Fairness will be our main motto in running the state if we come to power,” he said, virtually speaking at the National Imam-Khatib Conference organised by Sammilita Imam Khatib Parishad at the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka.

Tarique Rahman also promised to prioritise the rights and welfare of Imams, Khatibs and religious functionaries, seeking their support in the upcoming national election, which, he said, is important for restoring Islamic values, social justice and inclusive governance in the country.

Azharul Islam, member secretary of the Parishad, placed a seven-point demand at the programme. In response, the BNP acting chairman pledged to attach top priority to those if his party is voted to power through the next general election.

“I think there are all kinds of opportunities to fulfil the demands. The demand for formulation of service rules for Imams, Khatibs and Muazzins is very logical,” he said.

Tarique Rahman lamented that the job of Imams and Khatibs depends upon the will of the mosque committee, but it should not be allowed to happen, and it is unfair and irrational.

“If we get the opportunity to govern the state by the grace of Allah, we will introduce and implement the service rules Inshallah for ensuring your facilities on a priority basis,” he said, calling upon the religious leaders attending the event to form several committees to put forward their specific recommendations to his party’s respective authorities.

Political philosophy of BNP

Tarique Rahman said BNP believes in welfare of society, government and state mechanisms in light of Islamic norms and values, where Muslims will be able to lead their lives according to the Holy Quran and Sunnah without hesitation and worship safely and fearlessly.

At the same time, people of other religions will also be able to practise their religion and culture safely and securely, he said.

The BNP leader also blasted deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for bringing amendments to the Constitution at their will and blamed her for not reflecting the people’s hopes and aspirations in the national charter.

He said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, who proclaimed the country’s independence, took charge of the state and added Bismillahhir Rahmannirrahim and the trust and faith in the Almighty Allah at the preamble of the Constitution.

BNP remained vocal against any step or efforts that may harm the interests of Muslims, but the defeated fascist government undermined Islamic culture in many ways during its long-time rule, Tarique Rahman alleged.

The Awami League government imposed a restriction on holding Iftar parties during the month of Ramadan in 2024, he said, adding that the BNP raised its voice against such a hasty decision.

The government also carried out a crackdown on the public rally of Hefazat-e-Islam at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka in 2013, while BNP announced a two-day nationwide hartal, condemning the genocide.

The acting BNP chief promised that sustainable development of Imams and Khatibs will surely be ensured if BNP wins the next general election

Describing Imams and Khatibars as social reformers, he said it is the government’s responsibility to help the financially insolvent Imams, Khatibs and Muazzins.

Tarique Rahman also shared his party’s plan to provide the honorary allowance to them from the state fund if his party forms the government.

BNP will also strengthen the Imam-Muazzin Welfare Trust and undertake several projects to ensure their overall welfare and financial solvency, he said.

After the decade-long subservient rule of Awami League, it has been proved that there is no alternative but to remain united to protect Islam, independence and sovereignty, the acting BNP chairman said.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed, Islami Andolan Bangladesh Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam also spoke at the event.