BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has condemned recent claims that “voting will lead to heaven,” describing such statements as “a fraudulent use of religion for political gain.”
Speaking at a discussion marking the founding anniversary of the Jatiyatabadi Olama Dal at the National Press Club on Tuesday, Rizvi said, “Some misguided people are trying to mislead society in the name of Islam. They are distorting religious values to exploit people’s faith for political benefits.”
Referring to Jamaat-e-Islami without naming the party directly, he said, “Is Jamaat now selling tickets to paradise like medieval Christian priests? They are reportedly telling people that voting for the scale symbol will guarantee heaven — this is nothing but religious fraud.”
Rizvi added, “Such propaganda stands completely against the fundamental principles of Islam. Using religion in this deceptive way for political ends is extremely dangerous.”
Accusing Jamaat of using digital platforms to spread misinformation, the BNP leader alleged, “They have formed online groups to circulate lies, slander, and vulgar propaganda through social media. These groups are spreading falsehoods in an organized manner to confuse people.”
On the issue of a proposed referendum before the national election, Rizvi said, “Those talking about a November referendum have a hidden master plan. Their goal is to delay the national polls by creating confusion with conditional proposals. Jamaat still seeks to remain under the protection of the Awami League, and their political maneuvering clearly shows they are trying to draw votes away from the ruling party while stirring debates around PR, reforms, and referendums.”
He further warned that a “new deceptive ideology” is being promoted in the name of Islamic reform in Bangladesh, which he identified as “Maududism.” “The people of Bangladesh will never accept this. Such an ideology has no place in our faith, belief, or unity in Tawheed,” Rizvi asserted.
Recalling the atrocities of 1971, he said, “Those who committed horrific acts during the Liberation War were also Muslims. How can a true believer oppress another Muslim? Those who supported or continue to support such crimes cannot claim to be righteous. Islam does not allow using religion as a cover for power or deceit.”
The discussion was presided over by Jatiyatabadi Olama Dal Joint Convenor Alhaj Maulana Md. Alamgir Hossain. Among others, BNP Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, Religious Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Islam Jamal, Assistant Secretary for Religious Affairs A.T.M. Abdul Bari Danny, and Executive Committee Member Maulana Shah Md. Nesarul Haque also spoke at the event.
