Government Sparks Outrage by Appointing Controversial Lincoln as State Minister, Hurting Religious Sentiments
The appointment of Gaibandha-4 lawmaker Mohammad Shamim Kayser Lincoln as state minister for religious affairs has triggered strong resentment and protests on social media and among religious scholars, Islamic leaders and Sufi figures across the country. Various quarters have alleged that the newly appointed state minister is an advocate of the Ahl-e-Hadith or Salafi ideology. They argue that the majority of Muslims in Bangladesh follow the Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat tradition and Hanafi school of jurisprudence, while significant differences exist between Hanafi beliefs and Ahl-e-Hadith ideology. Religious scholars have therefore described the appointment as insensitive to the religious sentiments and traditions of the majority Muslim population.
Several organisations, including Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, Chhar China Darbar Sharif, Sammilito Ulama Mashayekh Bangladesh, Bangladesh Islami Front, Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat and Khatme Nabuwwat Sangrakshan Committee Bangladesh, have called on the government to reconsider and withdraw Mr. Lincoln’s appointment. Senior religious figures, including Maulana Junayed Al Habib and Allama Abdul Hamid Pir Saheb Madhupur, have also criticised the decision.
Allama Abdul Hamid, Amir of Khatme Nabuwwat Sangrakshan Committee Bangladesh and Naib-e-Amir of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, expressed deep concern over the appointment. In a statement issued after Mr. Lincoln took oath on Friday night, he said the Ministry of Religious Affairs is directly connected with religious institutions, scholars and millions of practicing Muslims. Therefore, he said, the ministry should be headed by someone who respects the beliefs, traditions and values of the majority and is acceptable to all. He urged the government to consult prominent religious scholars and leaders when formulating policies on religious matters, warning that ignoring their views could create unnecessary division and tension.
Meanwhile, Maulana Junayed Al Habib, senior joint secretary general of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh and president of its Dhaka unit, described the appointment as a serious blow to the religious sentiments of practicing Muslims. He claimed that the government had failed to understand the aspirations of the country’s religious population. He argued that Hanafi scholars and followers of Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat have long played a major role in promoting Islamic teachings in Bangladesh. Referring to the country’s Muslim majority, he questioned why a person associated with a minority religious ideology had been given responsibility for the sensitive ministry. He demanded the immediate cancellation of the appointment and called for a qualified and broadly acceptable person to be given responsibility for the ministry. He also warned that continued disregard for the concerns of religious scholars could affect their future cooperation with the government.
Social media users and Islamic speakers have also expressed criticism. Some argued that organisations belonging to the Hanafi tradition, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, played an important role in supporting the formation of the BNP government and that their opinions should have been considered before making the appointment. Mufti Rezaul Karim Abrar also voiced his concerns at a meeting. He said his objection was not simply to Mr. Lincoln becoming a state minister, but to the possibility that established religious practices followed in the country for generations could be altered. He warned that any attempt to change traditional forms of prayer and worship could lead to confrontation and debate among religious scholars.
Several social media users have conducted or promoted polls opposing Mr. Lincoln’s appointment, while others have made strong allegations regarding his religious views. However, these claims largely reflect statements and opinions expressed by individual users and religious groups on social media. Bangladesh Islami Front Chairman Maulana MA Matin and Secretary General Principal SA Abdus Samad also issued a statement opposing the appointment. In a statement signed by office secretary Muhammad Abdul Hakim, they described Mr. Lincoln as a staunch adherent of the Ahl-e-Hadith or Salafi school and termed the appointment a controversial decision.
The leaders urged the PM to reconsider the appointment, arguing that the government should take into account the country’s large Sunni Muslim community. They warned that failure to address their concerns could lead to programmes by Sunni Muslim organisations. The protests and statements have brought renewed attention to the politically and religiously sensitive role of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
