Dhaka: A fresh rift has emerged among Islamist groups in Bangladesh just days before the country’s parliamentary elections, after Hefazat-e-Islam announced strong opposition to the Jamaat-e-Islami party.
Hefazat-e-Islam chief Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari declared that voting for Jamaat is “haram” (religiously forbidden) for Muslims and described the political contest as a form of “jihad” against the party.
Key Developments
- The remarks were made during a religious event in Chattogram, where Babunagari urged Muslims not to support Jamaat under any circumstances.
- He warned that Islam and the Muslim community would be undermined if Jamaat came to power.
- Hefazat has indicated support for a candidate from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), signaling political alignment ahead of the vote.
Ideological Clash
Babunagari said Hefazat has fundamental doctrinal differences with Jamaat and accused the party of misinterpreting Islam, calling on religious scholars to unite against its political rise.
Election Context
The confrontation highlights growing tensions within Bangladesh’s Islamist political landscape as the country prepares for national elections, turning the campaign into a high-stakes ideological showdown between rival groups.
