Be Careful on Aqeedah, Pir of Charchina Urges Prime Minister

Following reports that Gaibandha-4 MP Mohammad Shamim Kaiser Lincoln may be given responsibility as State Minister for Religious Affairs, Pir Saheb of Charchina Darbar Sharif, Alhaj Hazrat Maulana Shah Abu Nasr Nesaruddin Ahmed Hussain, has expressed concern and protest over the possibility. In a statement, the Pir Saheb urged the Prime Minister to consider the religious beliefs, creed and long-standing traditions of the people when appointing someone to the sensitive ministry. He said, “In Bangladesh, no person who is against the religion and belief should be given an important position in the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The monotheistic people of this country are very conscious about the security of their faith, belief, religion and ideology. Therefore, the religious feelings of the people and matters related to belief should be given due importance in making state decisions.”

Addressing the Prime Minister, he said, “You should be careful about this. The Tawheed people voted for you not only to come to power; they voted in the hope of protecting their faith, creed, religion and ideals. Therefore, the people’s aspirations must be properly reflected in every aspect of state governance for the purpose for which the voting rights given to them have been exercised.” He said the Ministry of Religious Affairs handles important matters including mosques and madrasas, religious institutions, Hajj management and waqf. Therefore, its responsibility should be given to someone who respects the beliefs and religious traditions of scholars, pirs, shaykhs and the wider religious community. He urged the government to exercise caution in selecting the minister and expressed hope that the Prime Minister would consider the expectations of religious people and take an appropriate decision.