No Non-Believing MP Can Exist in a Country with 80% Muslims

A speech given by a candidate nominated by Jamaat-e-Islami for the Barguna-2 constituency at an election rally has gone viral on social media. In the speech, he said, “In a country where 80 percent are Muslims, there can be no non-believing or indecent parliamentary representatives.” This remark has sparked intense discussion both locally and online.

The incident occurred on Thursday (January 22), the first day of campaigning for the 13th National Parliament elections, at Douyatala School field in Bamna Upazila, Barguna, during an election rally organized by Jamaat-e-Islami. A man named Afzal Hossain made the statement. During the rally, organizers announced that he had joined Jamaat-e-Islami.

What Afzal Hossain said in his speech

Afzal Hossain said in his speech, “Do you want the Quran, or do you want the Bible? If you want the Quran, then Jamaat-e-Islami will certainly establish parliamentary governance. They will say loudly in Parliament—this country belongs to Muslims. Where 80 percent of the people are Muslims, there can never be non-believers or indecent parliamentary representatives. There can be no constitution.”

He further said, “What kind of governance will there be? Governance according to Allah’s Quran. If someone steals today and their hand is cut off, then will theft happen in this area again? That is the governance we want.”

At that time, he addressed the Jamaat-nominated candidate Dr. Sultan Ahmed, saying, “Don’t worry, Inshallah. People have understood what religion means, what justice means, and what ideals mean.”

Candidate’s explanation

Regarding this, Jamaat-nominated candidate Dr. Sultan Ahmed said that Afzal Hossain is not an old member. In his words, “He is a new person. I got to know him only yesterday. He is from that area, a retired elder. He spoke out of emotion. After he spoke, there is nothing we can do.”

He further said, “No such statement has come from our mouth or our leaders’ mouths. If you watch my speech, you will see I did not mention anyone’s name, nor did I speak against the opposition party.” He also mentioned that joining Jamaat-e-Islami happens through a specific process, and it does not take effect immediately during the election.

Administration’s stance

Md. Palash Ahmed, Upazila Executive Officer and Assistant Returning Officer of Bamna, Barguna, said that they learned about the matter later. He added that if a written complaint is received, action will be taken according to the law.

This incident has led to growing social media criticism over religiously divisive remarks and statements allegedly against the constitution.