BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has reaffirmed that the party remains steadfast in its commitment to Islamic values, stressing that it has never compromised on the fundamental principles of Islam and will not do so in future.

Speaking as the chief guest at the National Conference of the Sammilito Imam Khatib Parishad at the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre on Sunday, Tarique Rahman said the BNP has consistently supported Islamic culture and opposed activities that undermine the interests of Muslims.

He criticised the previous ruling power, describing it as a failed and fugitive autocracy that attempted to weaken Islamic traditions and marginalise Muslims in state and society.

Highlighting BNP’s past initiatives, he recalled that in 2006, under the government of Begum Khaleda Zia, steps were taken to grant Masters level equivalence to the Dawra e Hadith qualification of Qawmi Madrasa graduates, acknowledging the importance of recognised credentials in professional fields.

Tarique Rahman noted the extensive presence of religious institutions across the country, with more than 5,000 madrasas of various categories and millions of students enrolled. He added that Bangladesh has roughly 350,000 mosques employing around 1.7 million Imams, Khatibs, and Muazzins.

He argued that national progress requires integrating these institutions and religious leaders into the broader development framework. With that in mind, he said, the BNP has included targeted action plans for the madrasa and mosque sector in its future programmes.

Turning to constitutional history, Tarique Rahman criticised the post independence constitution drafting process, alleging that it did not reflect the aspirations of the majority. He said former president Ziaur Rahman, the BNP’s founder, restored Islamic identity to the state by incorporating Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim and the principle of absolute trust and faith in Almighty Allah into the constitution, although the latter clause has since been removed.

Addressing the demands raised by Imams and Khatibs, he called them reasonable and long overdue. He said that service rules for Imams, Khatibs, and Muazzins should be established so their employment is no longer subject to the decisions of individual mosque committees.

If elected to form the next government, he said, the BNP would prioritise creating formal service structures and take action to implement other related demands. He added that the party considers it the responsibility of the state to support Imams, Khatibs, and Muazzins, and plans to introduce monthly allowances for those facing financial hardship.