A committee named the ‘Non-Muslim Citizens Service Committee’ was recently formed in Pirgachha, Rangpur, to serve the Hindu community, but some confusion and controversy have arisen around it. Some media outlets mistakenly reported it as the “Hindu wing” of Jamaat-e-Islami.
In response, Pirgachha Upazila Jamaat Ameer, Maulana Mostaq Ahmed, clarified the situation on social media. He explained that on October 25, the Pirgachha Union branch of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held a meeting with local Hindu community members at the Upazila office. The meeting focused on promoting unity between Muslims and Hindus in contributing to society and the state while respecting religious freedom. Rangpur District Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary Maulana Enamul Haque was the chief guest at the meeting, where he attentively listened to the concerns of Hindu representatives, highlighted Jamaat-e-Islami’s initiatives for non-Muslims, and expressed the intention to support them. Due to other commitments, the chief guest left the event early.
Maulana Mostaq Ahmed explained that later, the union ameer, Abdul Jabbar, on behalf of Jamaat-e-Islami, asked for a five-member list to facilitate better communication and help resolve issues affecting non-Muslim citizens. About 150 Hindu community members discussed among themselves and suggested five names to form a committee. However, when some media mistakenly labeled this as the “Hindu wing” of Jamaat, the news quickly went viral.
He noted that while some people responded negatively, others offered positive comments, and he welcomed feedback from everyone. He requested that people not misunderstand the initiative, as around 150 educated and knowledgeable Hindu individuals were involved. He emphasized, “Our primary identity is as human beings. Religion is individual, but the country belongs to all of us.”
He also called for all communities to come together in harmony to work for the development of the nation.
