Islamic elements in BNP alliance uneasy over Tarique's remark

 Five religion-based parties of the BNP-led 20-party alliance are uneasy over a remark made by Tarique Rahman that "there can't be any political party centred on religion." The parties are Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Oikya Jote, Khelafat Majlis, Jamiyate-Ulema-e-Islam and Bangladesh Islamic Party.

Jamiyate-Ulema-e-Islam has openly opposed Tarique Rahman's remark. Its central organising secretary Obaidullah Faruk on Thursday, addressing a training camp of Jamiyat workers at a madrassa in the city, said, "Only Islamic politics can ensure welfare. Those who oppose this are not true Muslims."

Jamiyat's senior vice president and Hefazat-e-Islam's central Nayeb-e-Amir Nur Hossain Kasemi told Prothom Alo, "The people of this country, where 90 percent of the population are Muslim, will not accept this statement."

BNP's Senior Vice Chairman Tarique Rahman was speaking at a discussion organised by BNP's UK branch in London last Monday. He said that Ziaur Rahman believed that religion can play a role in politics, but it cannot be the basis of a political party. "A political party can't be centred on religion," he said.

Secretary General of Islami Oikya Jote Mufti Faizullah told Prothom Alo, "Tarique Rahman needs to study Islam more thoroughly. He should practice at least the values of Islam as Ziaur Rahman did when he was in power. He should not be influenced by anyone in this regard."

Jamaat-e-Islami is yet to comment on the issue. However, Ali Ahmed of Jamaat's central publicity cell, has said, "This was a personal remark of Tarique Rahman." Other parties have expressed similar reactions.

As to whether Tarique Rahman's remark will affect relations between BNP and the Islamic parties, Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Ahmed Abdul Kader says, "The only reason we are in an alliance with BNP is because it is less harmful to Islam. Awami League is more harmful for Islam." We do not believe that BNP will usher in Islam if it comes to power."

BNP standing committee member Mahbubur Rahman tells Prothom Alo, "Tarique Rahman is the second senior-most leader of BNP. We do not know in which context he spoke these words. However, it is true that religion-based politics is difficult in today's world. Perhaps that is what he was speaking about. There are several Islamic parties in BNP's alliance. We are in a movement together for free and fair elections."