Bangladesh MPs call for ban on religion-based party, restrict politics in mosques

During a parliamentary session discussing Bangladesh's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27, a Member of Parliament from Jhalokathi-1, Rafiqul Islam Jamal, called for the political activities of Jamaat-e-Islami to be banned. He accused the party of exploiting religion and opposing Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War and independence.

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This party opposed the country’s independence in 1971 and the creation of Bangladesh. I demand in this parliament that it be barred from politics in Bangladesh and banned, just like the fascists.

Jamal urged lawmakers to bar Jamaat-e-Islami from politics, drawing a parallel to banning fascists. He also referenced a statement by the home minister, agreeing that the presence of "Islam" in a party's name does not automatically signify representation of Islamic values. Jamal criticized religion-based politics, citing promises of "heaven" in exchange for votes during the last election.

Adding to the discussion on the role of religion in politics, MP Reza Ahmed from Kushtia-1 raised concerns about political activities taking place inside mosques. He emphasized that mosques are sacred spaces dedicated to prayer and the study of the Quran, not for political gatherings.

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The mosque is Allah’s house. Prayers will be offered in the mosque, the Qur’an will be read in the mosque. But a political party does politics in the mosque.

Ahmed called for legislation to prohibit political meetings in mosques and madrasas. He argued that just as political parties hold meetings in other public venues like football fields, schools, or halls, they should not be permitted to use mosques for such purposes. His plea aims to ensure mosques remain solely places of worship and religious education.

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Just as workers' meetings or public meetings are held in football fields, high schools, or halls, BNP or other political parties do the same. They too must be given that arrangement. They cannot hold meetings in mosques.