BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has condemned recent claims suggesting that casting votes would guarantee entry into heaven, describing such statements as “a fraudulent use of religion to deceive the public.”
Speaking at a discussion meeting organized by the Jatiyatabadi Ulema Dal on the occasion of its founding anniversary at the National Press Club on Tuesday (October 14), Rizvi said, “Some misguided people are trying to mislead our society in the name of Islam. By distorting religious values, they are attempting to gain political advantage.”
He sharply criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, saying, “Is Jamaat now acting like medieval Christian priests selling tickets to paradise? They are going door to door claiming that voting for the ‘scale’ symbol will ensure entry into heaven — this is pure religious fraud.”
Rizvi asserted that such propaganda goes against the fundamental principles of Islam. “Islam never supports hypocrisy or deceit. Using religion as a political tool is extremely dangerous and unacceptable,” he added.
The BNP spokesperson also alleged that Jamaat is spreading misleading propaganda using digital technology. “They have created online groups of young people who spread lies, insults, and indecent content on social media. These people are skillfully packaging falsehoods and spreading them every day,” he said.
Addressing the upcoming referendum discussions, Rizvi remarked, “Those talking about a November referendum have a master plan. By setting conditions, they aim to create confusion and delay the national election.”
He further alleged that Jamaat still seeks to remain under the protection of the Awami League. “Their political maneuvering clearly shows that they are strategically trying to attract Awami League votes. On one hand, they are stirring debate through issues like PR (Proportional Representation), reforms, and referendum, while on the other, they are exploiting religious sentiment to mislead the public,” he said.
Rizvi warned that attempts are being made to introduce a misleading ideology in the name of a new Islamic movement in Bangladesh. “This can be identified as ‘Mawdudism.’ The people of Bangladesh will never accept it. In a nation built on faith in Tawheed, Iman, and Aqeedah, there is no place for such distorted ideologies,” he asserted.
Referring to the atrocities of 1971, Rizvi said, “Those who committed heinous crimes during the Liberation War were also Muslims. How could a Muslim inflict such brutality on another Muslim? Those who supported or continue to justify such crimes cannot be considered good people. Islam does not endorse the use of religion as a weapon for power or deception.”
He added that Jamaat remained silent on the trials and punishments of their top leaders and is now spreading false propaganda against other political parties to regain relevance. “But the general people are fully aware of their true motives,” Rizvi said.
The meeting was presided over by Alhaj Maulana Md. Alomgir Hossain, Senior Joint Convener of the Jatiyatabadi Ulema Dal. Among others, BNP Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, Religious Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Islam Jamal, Assistant Religious Affairs Secretary A.T.M. Abdul Bari Dany, and Executive Committee Member Maulana Shah Md. Nesarul Haque also spoke.