Followers of Ahle Hadith involved in militancy

A group of Ulemas (Islamic scholars) of Chittagong on Saturday alleged that followers of Ahle Hadith and Salafism were involved with militant activities in the country. The Islamic scholars further alleged that imams and khatibs belonging to Ahle Hadith and Salafism were indoctrinating through instigative speeches. The Islamic scholars made the allegation during a view-exchange meeting on exploring ways and means to resist terrorism and militant attacks. Chittagong deputy Commisioner Mesbah Uddin presided over the meeting organised by the district administration with 160 imams and khatibs of mosques in Chittagong. The Islamic scholars also demanded that the authorities shut down all institutions and publications which were still under the “Peace” brand. “All preachers of the banned ‘Peace TV’ belonged to Ahle Hadith. The ideology of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik is being spread through these institutions,” alleged Abul Asad Md Jubayer, khatib of Nazirpara Jeme Masjid. “All Bangladeshi speakers of Peace TV previously delivered lectures at Jammat-run Diganta TV. Now theseinstigative speakers will move onto other channels like Rtv or Ntv since Peace TV has been banned,” said Abul Kalam Ameri, Principal of Kalushah Senior Alia Madrasa. Addressing the meeting, Syed Anowar Hossain, khatib of Anderkillah Shahi Jame Mosque said that Islam does not promote militant ideology. “Killing people in the name of Islam is not a jihad and those who are carrying out militant activities are Kafir or infidel,” said the khatib. Abu Hayat Md Tareque, Chittagong divisional director of Islamic Foundation Bangladesh (IFB) said that a monitoring cell was formed to monitor khutba [sermon] at 9,010 mosques in Chittagong. “The cell will begin monitoring from today with the participation of field-level officials of Islamic Foundation and public representatives,” said the IFB official, adding that the monitoring cell would find out whether instigative speeches were being delivered during jummah prayers. The IFB official also requested imams and khatibs of all mosques of Chittagong to recite a common ‘Khutba’ [sermon]. Md Kazimur Rashid, CMP Assistant Commissioner informed that suspected militants were active around three mosques of the city the Mehedibag CDA Mosque, Anderkillah Shahi Jame Mosque and PWD Mosque at Rahmatganj areas. “You can report any suspicious people to us by calling 01713373246 hotline. You can rest assured that we will not disclose your identity,” the police official added.