Bangladesh Islamist Leader Pushes for Sharia, Says Non-Muslims Should Not Serve as MPs

Image: Jihad Watch

A speech delivered at a recent election rally in Barguna, Bangladesh, has triggered widespread controversy after a senior Jamaat-e-Islami figure made remarks that quickly went viral across social media platforms. The comments, which were widely circulated in video clips, have raised serious concerns over religious exclusion and the future direction of Bangladesh’s political system.

The rally took place on Thursday night, 22 January, at the Douatala School Ground in Bamna Upazila of Barguna district. During the event, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Afzal Hossain addressed a large gathering, where he was introduced by the organisers as a participant who formally joined Jamaat-e-Islami during the programme.

In his speech, Afzal Hossain made forceful statements linking religion directly with political authority. He asserted that only Muslims should be allowed to serve as members of parliament in Bangladesh, arguing that elected representatives must strictly adhere to Islamic religious principles. He further declared that the country should be governed in accordance with Sharia law, positioning Jamaat-e-Islami as a party committed to establishing a political system guided by the Quran.

Addressing the crowd, Hossain emphasised that since nearly 80 per cent of Bangladesh’s population is Muslim, there should be no parliamentarians who oppose or act against what he described as religious values. Framing the issue as a choice between different systems of governance, he asked the audience whether they wanted a system based on the Quran or alternative political models. He claimed that Jamaat-e-Islami would work towards implementing a governance framework rooted in Islamic teachings.

The remarks have sparked sharp reactions online and in political circles, with critics warning that such statements undermine Bangladesh’s constitutional principles, which guarantee equal political rights to citizens regardless of religion. The call to restrict parliamentary eligibility to Muslims has also raised concerns among minority communities and civil society groups, who view the comments as a push toward religious majoritarianism and exclusion.

These developments come amid increased international attention on Jamaat-e-Islami ahead of Bangladesh’s elections. A recent report by The Washington Post revealed that US diplomats have expressed interest in maintaining or developing friendly ties with Jamaat-e-Islami in light of shifting political and social dynamics in the country.

According to the report, a leaked audio recording captured a US diplomat suggesting that it would be in America’s strategic interest to keep relations cordial with Jamaat-e-Islami, citing evolving conditions within Bangladesh’s political landscape. The revelation has further intensified debate over the party’s growing relevance and the implications of its ideological positions on both domestic governance and international relations.

Overall, Afzal Hossain’s declaration that non-Muslims should be barred from becoming members of parliament, coupled with his pledge to implement Sharia-based governance if Jamaat-e-Islami gains power, has added a new layer of controversy to an already tense electoral environment in Bangladesh.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)