Politics Desk

Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee, stated that if his party comes to power, the principle of “trust and faith in Allah” will be reinstated in the preamble of the Constitution.

He made the remarks on Saturday (15 November) while attending the Khatm-e-Nubuwwat Grand Conference held at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka.

Expressing appreciation for the orderly conduct of the gathering, Salahuddin said, “I am impressed by the peaceful arrangement of this assembly and the disciplined way in which everyone is listening to the speeches today. I am here to show my solidarity with you.”

Salahuddin highlighted the historical context, stating that the country’s founding leader, the late President Ziaur Rahman, had first introduced “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” into the Constitution. “It remains in place despite attempts by many to remove it. However, what has not been restored is the principle Ziaur Rahman had established in the Constitution—trust and faith in Almighty Allah as a guiding principle of state governance, specifically under Article 8. That has been removed. Do you want us to reinstate it? Insha’Allah, we will restore it,” he added.

The BNP leader also referred to remarks made by foreign guests at the event, linking them to the ideas of the Muslim philosopher Allama Iqbal. He reiterated fundamental Islamic beliefs, stating, “The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent as a mercy to the entire world. We, as Muslims, believe in ‘La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah.’ The Prophet declared that he is the last prophet; anyone claiming prophethood thereafter is outside this declaration.” He quoted Allama Iqbal to emphasize the continued relevance of these beliefs.

Salahuddin further addressed global Muslim issues, noting, “We believe in the finality of Prophethood and identify ourselves as Muslims through the Kalima. As citizens of Bangladesh, we also identify with our national identity. Yet, due to divisions among Muslims worldwide, our brothers and sisters in Palestine are subjected to atrocities, and Rohingya Muslims face persecution in various parts of the world, often due to our collective weakness.”

He pledged that if the BNP is entrusted with governance, the party would address these demands legally and institutionally through parliamentary processes. “If the people grant us the responsibility to govern this country and you cooperate with us, we will take steps to ensure that these demands are formally recognized. The entire nation must remain united, and all Muslims in Bangladesh must stand together. Insha’Allah, we will adopt this proposal. Those who oppose the Prophet cannot be considered true Muslims,” he said.

The remarks come amid ongoing debates in Bangladesh regarding the constitutional recognition of Islamic principles and the role of religion in governance, reflecting the BNP’s policy priorities in the event of future electoral success.