Protest erupts at Baitul Mukarram over Khatib Abdul Malek
Muslim worshippers protest in support of the khatib at Baitul Mukarram. Photo: Focus Bangla
A group of Muslim worshippers staged a protest at the national mosque Baitul Mukarram in the capital over alleged misinformation against Khatib Abdul Malek.
The protest was held at the mosque’s north gate after Friday prayers, led by the Ulama Dal, Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh. The protesters chanted various slogans, alleging that Jamaat-e-Islami had played a role in the move to remove the khatib.
During the protest, demonstrators chanted slogans including “Destroy the strongholds of Jamaat-Shibir” and “Destroy the strongholds of Maududi.” However, neither a decision to remove the khatib nor allegations of Jamaat’s involvement in the matter could be independently verified.
Officer-in-Charge of Paltan Police Station Ariful Alam told reporters, “There were programs organized by different organizations, which created a somewhat unusual situation. However, no untoward incident occurred.”
One protester expressed support for the khatib, saying, “If five people had to be named in the world, Khatib Abdul Malek would have to be one of them.” He warned that if a conspiracy was hatched against the khatib, Jamaat-Shibir would face the same fate as Ghulam Azam.
Recently, Mufti Abdul Malek criticized the ideology of Jamaat-e-Islami and the decision by a section of Qawmi Islamic scholars to join a political alliance with the party. His remarks sparked controversy among Islamist political parties and the scholars concerned. The issue also triggered discussions and criticism on social media.
In a video circulated on social media, Abdul Malek can be heard describing the decision by Qawmi scholars to join Jamaat’s alliance as “gomrahi,” meaning misguidance or deviation from the right path. In the same remarks, he questioned the use of the words “Aqimud-Din” in Jamaat’s logo. According to him, the phrase had been used to misinterpret Islam. He can also be heard saying “Nauzubillah,” an expression used to seek refuge in Allah.
Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh contested the 13th parliamentary election under an understanding with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Although the party contested four seats with BNP’s support, it failed to win any of them.
Friday’s protest followed the controversy surrounding the khatib’s remarks. However, no official statement has been received from the relevant authorities regarding his removal.
