Politics Desk
Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee, has stated that if his party assumes power, the principle of “trust and faith in Allah” will be reinstated in the preamble of the country’s Constitution.
He made the remarks on Saturday (15 November) while addressing attendees at the Khatm-e-Nubuwwat Grand Conference held at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka.
Salahuddin expressed appreciation for the peaceful and orderly nature of the gathering, noting the discipline and mutual respect displayed by participants during the event. He emphasized that his presence reflected solidarity with the attendees.
Highlighting the historical context, he said, “As a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, I acknowledge that our leader, the late President Ziaur Rahman, was the first to include ‘Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim’ in the Constitution. That provision has remained intact despite attempts by some to remove it. However, what has not been maintained is the principle he introduced regarding trust and faith in Almighty Allah as a guiding principle of state governance, enshrined in Article 8 of the Constitution. That has been removed. Do you want us to restore it? Insha’Allah, we will restore it.”
Salahuddin further referred to remarks by foreign dignitaries and cited the teachings of Allama Iqbal, a renowned Muslim thinker, noting the centrality of the Quranic message and the finality of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) prophethood. He reiterated the BNP’s stance on adherence to Islamic principles, stating, “We believe in the finality of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Anyone claiming prophethood after him falls outside this declaration. Allama Iqbal emphasized this in his writings.”
Addressing broader Muslim issues, Salahuddin expressed concern over global injustices affecting Muslim communities, citing the ongoing violence against Palestinians and the persecution of Rohingya Muslims. He attributed these crises to global divisions and a lack of unity among Muslims.
He emphasized that if the BNP were entrusted with governing Bangladesh, the party would work to address public demands through parliamentary discussion and legal measures, provided there is broad support and cooperation from citizens. Salahuddin stressed the importance of national unity, particularly among Muslims, asserting that the party would support initiatives aligned with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
He concluded by asserting that those who do not uphold the principles of the Prophet cannot be considered true Muslims, reiterating the party’s commitment to restoring faith-based principles in governance if it comes to power.