Bangladesh of Peace and Morality: Unity Between the State and Ulama Is Essential

Dr. Muhammad Mahtab Hossain Majed

The government plays an important role in running the state, while religious scholars and leaders have an undeniable role in strengthening the moral foundation of society. Religious figures have long encouraged people to follow the path of justice, honesty, humanity, responsibility and peace. Therefore, mutual respect, cooperation and responsible dialogue between the state and religious leadership can contribute to building a peaceful society.

At a discussion meeting held at Babunagar Madrasa in Fatikchhari on Sunday, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed his determination to build the country together with religious scholars. In line with his pre-election pledge, he visited Babunagar Madrasa and met Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh Amir Allama Shah Mohibullah Babunagari. He said that just as everyone had worked together before the election, all must remain united in building the country.
From a religious perspective, the significance of this statement goes beyond political relations. It involves the broader issues of establishing peace, developing moral values and fulfilling collective responsibilities for human welfare.

The Role of Ulama Goes Beyond Religious Education
The primary responsibility of religious scholars is to spread religious knowledge and moral awareness. However, their role is not limited to mosques, madrasas or religious institutions. Scholars contribute to character building, encourage people to avoid wrongdoing and promote compassion and responsibility in society.
Islam teaches that justice must be established, trusts must be protected and people’s rights must be ensured. The Quran says, “Indeed, Allah commands justice, good conduct, and giving to relatives.” (Surah An-Nahl: 90). This teaching is important in personal, social and state life.
Religious scholars do not necessarily need direct administrative roles in policymaking. However, their advice on moral and social issues, efforts to raise public awareness and role in spreading messages of peace are highly valuable. The Prime Minister also referred to them as partners of the government. One of the most important areas of such cooperation could be building a morally sound society.

Unity Does Not Mean Uniformity of Opinion
The call for unity in nation-building is important, but unity does not mean everyone must share the same opinion. A democratic society naturally involves differences, discussions and criticism. The important point is that differences should not turn into conflict, hatred or violence.
Religious scholars can play a significant role in this regard. Mosques, madrasas and religious gatherings are powerful platforms for reaching people. Promoting tolerance, respect for the law, neighbours’ rights, opposition to corruption and humane behaviour through these platforms can bring positive changes to society.
The Prophet Muhammad (S.) placed particular emphasis on people’s rights and mutual responsibilities. A Muslim’s identity is reflected not only in personal worship but also in conduct, trustworthiness and responsibility toward others.

Peace Is a Major Responsibility of the State
The Prime Minister placed particular emphasis on ensuring peace for the people. This is an important national objective because education, business, investment and employment cannot progress normally in an environment of insecurity and instability.
Islam also places great importance on peace. Ensuring that others remain safe from a believer is part of its fundamental moral teachings. Therefore, religious leaders should play a positive role in preventing provocation, conflict and disorder. However, maintaining peace is not the responsibility of religious leaders alone; it is also the responsibility of the state. Laws must be applied equally to everyone, and justice should be based on the offence rather than the identity of the offender. Citizens should also refrain from taking the law into their own hands and maintain trust in legal processes.

Prices, Electricity and Gas: Real Challenges for People
Religious discussions cannot remain detached from people’s everyday lives. When people struggle with the prices of essential goods, electricity and gas shortages, or the costs of healthcare and education, public welfare becomes their primary concern. The PM referred to the gas and electricity crisis and expressed hope that these problems would be overcome. He also said that people are having to bear the cost of the waste and smuggling of the country’s wealth and resources.

An important Islamic teaching is that public resources are a trust. Using state resources for personal interests or depriving people of their rights cannot be justified. The Quran and Hadith provide clear guidance on protecting trusts and avoiding the unjust consumption of others’ wealth. Therefore, action against corruption, money laundering and abuse of power is not merely an economic necessity but also a matter of morality and justice.

Public Welfare Should Be Prioritised in Health and Education
The PM has spoken about improving healthcare and education. There have also been initiatives to appoint new doctors at the upazila level. If implemented, these measures could benefit people in remote areas. Many Bangladeshis still depend on urban-based facilities. When poor rural people have to travel to distant cities for treatment, their finances, time and labour come under additional pressure. Ensuring sufficient doctors, diagnostic facilities, emergency services and medicines at the upazila level could reduce healthcare disparities.
Education also requires a balance between quality and morality. Instead of creating unnecessary divisions between general and religious education, the focus should be on developing knowledge, character and human values together.

Development Is Incomplete Without Employment
Creating employment for young people remains one of the country’s major challenges. Government jobs alone cannot provide employment for the large number of young people. Opportunities in industry, agriculture, small and medium enterprises, technology, entrepreneurship and skills training must therefore be expanded.
The PM said that a peaceful environment would encourage domestic and foreign investors to invest and create employment. A safe environment, political stability, good governance and transparent administration are important for investment. At the same time, workers’ rights, fair wages and workplace safety must be ensured. Economic development becomes meaningful only when its benefits reach ordinary people.

Harmonising Religious Values and State Responsibility
Running the state is a constitutional and administrative responsibility, while the primary responsibilities of religious scholars are religious education, morality and public awareness. Their roles are different, but their objectives often converge in promoting public welfare. If the government works to ensure good governance, justice, public safety, basic services and anti-corruption measures, while religious scholars promote morality, responsibility, tolerance and peace, their efforts can reinforce each other.
Relations with religious scholars should not be limited to periods of political necessity. Regular dialogue and cooperation can address education, social problems, drugs, juvenile crime, family values, humanitarian assistance and anti-corruption awareness.

Implementation Matters More Than Promises
The expectations expressed by the PM regarding peace, healthcare, education, employment and infrastructure development are now most important to implement. People want to see practical results alongside political statements.

The government’s relationship with religious scholars will be effective when it is based on mutual respect and public welfare. Religious leaders can support good government initiatives while offering constructive criticism when necessary. The government should also treat such criticism as an opportunity for improvement rather than hostility.
Nation-building requires a responsible government, aware citizens and ethical leadership. No individual or group can move a country forward alone.

Bangladesh should become a country where religion belongs to individuals, but peace, justice, humanity and public welfare belong to everyone. A country where people receive moral education from mosques and madrasas, gain knowledge from schools, receive necessary healthcare and have opportunities to earn a dignified livelihood. Cooperation between religious scholars and the government will truly succeed only when its benefits reach ordinary people. The strength of the state becomes meaningful when people are safe; the economy succeeds when people live with comfort; and religious values become meaningful when reflected through responsibility, justice and humane behaviour.
Therefore, Bangladesh’s journey toward nation-building requires not division but dialogue, not hatred but compassion, and not promises but implementation. Through this path, a Bangladesh of peace, justice and humanity can be built.