Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr Shafiqur Rahman has urged Bangladeshis to rise above religious divisions and work towards building a united nation, stressing the need for moral guidance from Islamic scholars in addressing the country’s social challenges.

He said, “Bangladesh is an exceptional example of communal harmony. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians have lived side by side here for generations. We are not in favour of dividing the nation on religious grounds; we want to see a united people.” 
Speaking on Saturday (Oct 4) at a conference of preachers and religious speakers organised by the party’s Central Ulama Committee at Al-Falah auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar, Shafiqur Rahman said the nation must harness knowledge in line with the Quran and Hadith for the greater good.

Citing the latest census, which shows Muslims comprise 90.8 percent of the population with Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians making up the remainder, Rahman underlined that religious plurality should be seen as a strength rather than a source of division. 
He lamented that even decades after independence, Bangladesh has yet to establish itself as a humane and responsible society, arguing that the nation remains in crisis. In this context, he called on Islamic scholars to guide the people through the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.

“The nation expects the Ulama to show unity on the fundamental issues of Islam as well as on the essential needs of national life. An iron-like resolve is needed among scholars to lead the people onto the right path,” he said.

Speaking on Saturday (Oct 4) at a conference of preachers and religious speakers organised by the party’s Central Ulama Committee at Al-Falah auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar, Shafiqur Rahman said the nation must harness knowledge in line with the Quran and Hadith for the greater good.

He further urged religious leaders to avoid disputes among themselves, listen to differing opinions, and act with collective responsibility, noting that imams serve as leaders for entire communities.

He also cautioned that educated individuals could inflict great harm on society if not guided by values, while stressing that Allah-fearing people in leadership positions could help establish peace. 

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