Key administrative positions should reflect people’s faith and beliefs
- People with Shirk beliefs should not hold key positions
Dr. A. K. M. Mahbubur Rahman
Bangladesh is a nation of devout and religiously tolerant people. This environment was built through the sacrifices and contributions of thousands of saints and Islamic scholars, such as Shah Sultan Rumi, Shah Jalal, Khaja Sharfuddin Chishti, Shah Makhdum, and many others across the country. Their legacy continues through thousands of shrines, Sufi centers, and religious schools that support millions of students, teachers, and over four hundred thousand mosques. Renowned scholars across the country were historically followers of the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jama’at creed and the Hanafi school of thought.
Over ninety percent of devout Muslims in Bangladesh follow Ahle Sunnat Wal Jama’at, the Hanafi school, and Sufism. Historically, despite minor differences, the nation functioned harmoniously. Islam education textbooks aligned with universally accepted beliefs, practices, and ethics. The administration shared these mainstream beliefs, maintaining deep devotion to God, love for the Prophet Muhammad, reverence for his family and companions, and respect for Islamic saints. Community gatherings focused on moral values, family unity, and respect for elders and teachers, fostering a peaceful and acceptable administration.
However, British colonial forces sought to weaken traditional teachings to control the population and plunder resources. Sub-groups such as Qadiyani, Salafi, and non-followers of jurisprudence were created to divide the community. Through media and organized efforts, campaign tactics turned people against traditional scholars and spiritual guides by labeling customary practices as polytheism or unauthorized innovation. Through administrative mechanisms, individuals with these alternative beliefs entered government and educational institutions. Traditional practices and curricula were removed under the guise of reform, and in many places, respected scholars and administrators were forcibly replaced by those holding opposing views. Unqualified individuals now dictate terms to senior academic leaders, putting traditional Islamic etiquette and beliefs at risk.
Major religious institutions across Bangladesh were established by traditional Sufi orders, including Sarsina, Charmonai, Fultoli, Anjuman-e-Rahmania, and many others. Yet, an anti-Sufi and Salafi influence is currently spreading through administration, education, the judiciary, and parliament, creating confusion among the faithful. Salafi views often conflict with traditional Ahle Sunnat positions by adopting anthropomorphic ideas about God, viewing visits to the Prophet’s tomb in Madinah as polytheism, denying the living spiritual status or intercession of the Prophet, and rejecting long-standing practices such as Milad-Qiyam, supplications after prayer, following a school of jurisprudence, and spiritual mentorship.
While constitutional rights guarantee that all religious communities and sub-groups can practice freely within their own domains, imposing minority doctrines on the majority population leads to social disorder. Therefore, state administration, education, the judiciary, and parliament must remain aligned with the faith and practices of the general public. To achieve this, an advisory board consisting of experienced Sufi-oriented scholars and curriculum experts should be established to set up research cells across all sectors. This board would identify structural problems in administration, the economy, education, and healthcare, offering solutions grounded in Islamic principles while adopting modern science and technology. By setting clear policies and working alongside the public, the nation can achieve true development and lasting peace.
