Bangladeshi Islamist leader's plan to introduce Sharia law brings problems for the region

(MENAFN-IANS) New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) – Fearing that Bangladesh could become the next Pakistan in India's troubled neighbour, several academics and experts on Wednesday strongly condemned recent comments by Shafiqur Rahman, the radical leader and current chairman of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI), in which he openly advocated the imposition of Sharia law in the country.

Rahman, the Ameer (chairman) of the country's largest Islamist party, which is banned from running in elections, was arrested in December 2022 and released in March this year.

In recent weeks, Bangladesh has seen massive unrest and violence against minorities – particularly against the country's Hindu community – following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5.

Although Muhammad Yunus, who was sworn in as chief adviser to the interim government, promised to bring the situation under control, serious atrocities were committed against Bangladeshi Hindus.

Experts believe that the BJI chief's recent comments will only encourage the radical elements in Bangladesh who currently have a free hand.

“The way minorities are being harmed in Bangladesh is extremely reprehensible. Now Rahman is talking about imposing Sharia law in the country, which could lead to further oppression and harassment of the people. Threatening people and destroying their homes and temples is completely against the teachings and customs of Islam. India helped Bangladesh gain independence in 1971 and saved the people from Pakistan. For this, every Bangladeshi should owe India,” said Mufti Shamoon Qasmi, an Islamic scholar who is also chairman of the Uttarakhand Madarsa Education Board.

Defense expert Qamar Agha said that “anarchy would spread rapidly” if Sharia law were introduced in Bangladesh.

“Investors, including foreigners, will pull out as the situation will be very similar to Pakistan and Afghanistan. Moreover, the kind of Shariah that the Jamaat supports will not be acceptable to the Sufi community or institutions there. One must not forget that there are divisions in the Bangladesh Army too and the general public of the country believes in secular politics. Hence, there are major differences between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Bengali nationalism is deeply rooted in the Bangladeshi people. Moreover, the Jamaat-e-Islami is not a very popular force there,” Agha said.

He further said that if Sharia law were actually introduced in Bangladesh, it would be an attempt to turn the country's eight percent Hindus into second-class citizens, just as Pakistan had done.

“This will be a big problem for the region. It is also clear that the interim government has America's support. In such a situation, all countries should unite and put pressure on the US. If Sharia is imposed in Bangladesh, it will have a direct impact on India because of the long border. Also, new extremist organizations will emerge there, creating instability in the region. India has made big investments there and that too will be badly affected,” Agha added.

Shesh Paul Vaid, former Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, said the people of Bangladesh have a major role to play in combating the growing radical forces in the country.

“It is up to the people of Bangladesh to decide whether they really want to live in conditions like Afghanistan. Do they want to live in a country where Sharia is applied because Bangladesh is following the path of development. In such a situation, the 15 million minorities there will also have to decide their future. After the implementation of Sharia, they will have no rights there and in such a situation they may be forced to demand a piece of land for themselves and live separately. This decision will be taken by the people there,” said Vaid.

Muslim scholar Mufti Wajahat Qasmi recalled that Bangladesh was founded by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on secular principles.

“Pakistan was divided in the name of Islam. It was said that Muslims wanted an Islamic system and Islamic discipline. Then the people who went to Pakistan tried to split from the Islamic system and create a secular country. Bangladesh was not divided on the basis of Islam. A large part of the population of Bangladesh is made up of minorities. Bangladesh has been governed under secular law since its inception. In such a situation, the people of Bangladesh should come forward and take a stand on such issues themselves,” Qasmi said.

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