Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam has issued a stark warning about the current political environment in Bangladesh, stating that political parties are “eager for conflict” and that this tension will likely erupt within a few months. He also cautioned that the situation could significantly worsen if “religious perspectives” are introduced into the political fray.
Mahfuj Alam made the comments on Saturday while speaking as the chief guest at a national dialogue titled ‘Mazar Culture: Violence, Crisis, and Future Thinking’ organized by the Sufi research platform ‘Maqam’ at the BMA Building in Dhaka.
Political Conflict and Religious Exploitation
The Information Adviser suggested that it is only the presence of the Chief Adviser that is currently deterring political parties from engaging in direct conflict. Expressing his deep concern, he stated, “Everyone is eager for conflict, and you will certainly see it within a few months. I fear that if the religious point of view is added to this, the situation in Bangladesh will deteriorate further.”
Mahfuj Alam’s statements heavily focused on the dangerous intersection of politics and religious institutions in the country. He alleged that political parties have historically used different Islamic sects as tools to advance their agendas, rather than seeking genuine unity among the diverse Muslim population.
“Until today, political leaders have not thought about how to coordinate among the 90 to 92 per cent Muslims in the country, who belong to various tariqas (Sufi orders),” he said. “Instead, they have divided them—some with the Qawmis, others with the Sunnis. They have turned religious institutions into political weapons.”
The Persistence of ‘Social Fascism’
While acknowledging that the July uprising successfully removed ‘state fascism,’ Mahfuj Alam warned that ‘social fascism’ remains a deep-seated issue in the country’s social fabric.
He cited instances of political manipulation involving religious groups, including his claim that the Awami League, in the past 15 years, had established a connection with Sufi communities based on an “ideological disagreement” with their political rivals. This arrangement, he noted, was a transactional one: “The Awami League would protect them, and they would vote for the Awami League. Religious politics has been confined to this perimeter.” He added that the Qawmi sector was also not immune to being exploited by various political parties.
Foreign Influence and the Threat to Religious Heritage
The Information Adviser also brought up the issue of foreign influence, noting the connection of various Muslim states’ embassies in Bangladesh. Alarmingly, he claimed, “Some embassies want the destruction of the mazars (shrines). There are certain political and ideological leanings present here.”
He further stressed the importance of protecting the nation’s spiritual heritage, citing the violence against Sufi shrines (mazars) and urging that these issues be viewed through a state, political, and policy lens, rather than fearing mob violence.
Call for Dialogue and Legal Action
Mahfuj Alam acknowledged a “sense of resentment” over the perceived lack of action in the past year to address these long-standing issues. He emphasized that retaliatory thoughts would not lead to positive outcomes. While noting that arrests were made following attacks on shrines, he announced plans for a survey to arrange for the proper renovation of the damaged holy sites.
In a strong appeal, Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam urged the managing authorities of the attacked shrines to file lawsuits, warning that failure to prosecute this “culture” of attack would set a dangerous precedent: “If this culture survives, then another group’s version of Islam will come next, and that Islam will demolish the mosques of another group. Today it is against the Sufis, tomorrow it will be against the Qawmis. This cannot be allowed to continue.”
The Adviser concluded by asserting that the country would face great peril if opportunities for dialogue and connection are not created among all streams of Islam in the country.
