The amir of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari, declared that it is “haram” for Muslims to vote for Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and framed the upcoming 13th national election as a “jihad” against the party. Speaking Thursday night at the closing ceremony of Sahih al-Bukhari studies at Kaziarhat Madrasa in Fatikchhari, he urged clerics and the faithful to unite to block what he called a “batil” (false) force.
Babunagari also endorsed the paddy-sheaf–symbol candidate, Sarowar Alamgir, from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the Chattogram-2 constituency. “Those who have allied with ‘Mawdudi’s Jamaat’ share its creed,” he told attendees, asserting fundamental doctrinal differences and alleging Jamaat provides “incorrect” interpretations of religion.
The gathering, attended by senior ulema and BNP activists, heard Babunagari argue that voting for Jamaat is impermissible and call for collective action to prevent its rise. He maintained that Hefazat’s position is rooted in theological objections and community protection, not electoral opportunism. The remarks signal a sharpened religious front against Jamaat in a constituency where conservative votes could prove decisive as Bangladesh heads to the polls on February 12.