BNP Chairperson’s Adviser and Pabna District Convener Habibur Rahman Habib sparked nationwide controversy after declaring that no Jamaat-e-Islami-affiliated muezzin or imam would be allowed to lead prayers or call the azan in Atgharia, Pabna.
During a visit to Pabna General Hospital on Saturday to see BNP activists injured in recent clashes with Jamaat supporters, Habib made the remarks that have since gone viral on social media and drawn widespread condemnation.
Habib stated, “From now on, no Jamaat-affiliated muezzin will give azan in Atgharia, nor will any imam from Jamaat lead prayers. People couldn’t even perform Friday prayers at Debottor Bazar Jame Mosque—they locked the mosque and fled.”
He further claimed, “They lie openly. Prayers behind them are invalid. They are enemies of independence, collaborators of Pakistan, and part of a brutal legacy. People of Atgharia must resist them.”
On the allegations of burning the Quran and Hadith inside Jamaat’s local office, Habib said, “BNP men did not burn the holy texts—they did it themselves. I take full responsibility in saying no BNP activist would ever do such a thing. If anyone proves otherwise with video evidence, I’ll take all the blame.”
In response, Atgharia Upazila Jamaat Ameer Maulana Nakibullah condemned Habib’s statement, calling it “disgraceful and divisive.” He said, “As a senior BNP leader, he should be ashamed to use religion this way. People have rejected his rhetoric.”
Nakibullah alleged that after the August 5 college election dispute, Jamaat offices and institutions were taken over “in Awami League style,” and that Jamaat supporters were attacked even while praying. He claimed armed BNP men stormed the area, vandalized shops, burned Qurans, and threatened imams.
The violence reportedly stemmed from an incident at Debottor Degree College, where BNP leaders allegedly barred Jamaat members from collecting nomination forms, leading to physical assault. In retaliation, Jamaat supporters attacked BNP offices and motorcycles, while BNP activists set fire to Jamaat’s local headquarters.
Both parties have traded accusations amid escalating tensions in the region. Law enforcement has yet to make formal statements regarding the incidents.
LND/BG
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