Fandauk Pir Saheb demands removal of religious affairs state minister

Shah Sufi Maulana Mufti Syed Saleh Ahmad Mamun Al-Husseini, the current Pir of the historic Fandauk Darbar Sharif and Amir of Bangladesh Anjumane Khadimul Islam, has demanded the immediate removal of newly appointed Religious Affairs State Minister and Gaibandha MP Mr. Shamim Kaisar Lincoln, alleging that his activities are contrary to the beliefs, ideals and values of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat and the country’s Pir-Mashayekh.

He said the government should not appoint anyone to an important religious affairs position whose activities have raised questions and concerns among the Hanafi Sunni Muslim community, which he claimed represents 90 percent of the country’s Muslim population, taking into consideration the religious sentiments, beliefs and traditions of the majority of Muslims in Bangladesh.

Addressing the prime minister, he said, “If a person opposed to the beliefs and ideals of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat holds such an important responsibility as the Ministry of Religious Affairs, it may create dissatisfaction and confusion among the country’s large Muslim population. Therefore, the concerned state minister must be withdrawn after considering the matter seriously.”

The Pir Saheb said Islam, Muslim traditions, and the contributions of Pir-Mashayekh and Islamic scholars have historically played an important role in Bangladesh. He said the current BNP government must not forget that it came to power with the support of the country’s Pir-Mashayekh and Muslims who believe in the ideology of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat. Fandauk Darbar Sharif has long been working to develop people’s moral and religious lives in the light of the Quran and Sunnah.

Mr. Mamun Al-Husseini said, “We are not speaking against any individual out of personal hostility. Our position is based on principle. The Ministry of Religious Affairs is an important ministry directly connected with the country’s religious values and the sentiments of the Muslim community. Therefore, we want someone in charge of this ministry who respects the Quran and Sunnah, the beliefs of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat and the sentiments of the country’s religious people.”

He made the remarks at the annual central conference of Bangladesh Anjumane Islami Chhatra Mahal held at Fandauk Darbar Sharif on Sunday, August 23. He urged the prime minister to carefully review the views of all sides to maintain religious harmony, peace and stability, and to refrain from making decisions or taking positions that could create dissatisfaction among any community.