Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh's Ameer Maulana Shah Muhibullah Babunagari has issued a stern warning to Maulana Saad Kandhalvi, saying he will not be allowed to enter Bangladesh unless he repents for his "controversial" statements.
Speaking at a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital on Tuesday, Maulana Babunagari said the government should take a firm stance on this issue.
“As long as Maulana Saad does not repent for his misguided remarks, he should not be allowed to enter Bangladesh. The Bishwa Ijtema in Tongi must be managed under the supervision of Islamic scholars, and the activities of the Kakrail Markaz should be under the guidance of the ulama,” he said.
The conference was organized by Ulama Mashayekh Bangladesh.
Maulana Saad’s remarks
The Hefazat-e-Islam ameer also addressed the controversy surrounding Maulana Saad’s comments on key Islamic topics, including the Quran, Hadith, Prophethood, and Islamic jurisprudence.
He accused Saad of making statements that are contrary to the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, which he said are “unacceptable.”
“Maulana Saad has made objectionable remarks on various issues related to Islam, including the Quran, the Prophets, and the Sahabah. His views contradict the established positions of Ahl al-Sunnah wa'l-Jama'ah and the consensus of scholars,” Maulana Babunagari said.
He further added that due to these deviations, it is not permissible to follow Maulana Saad according to Islamic law.
Calls for repentance
Maulana Babunagari said Maulana Saad had become highly controversial among Islamic scholars worldwide, including those at Darul Uloom Deoband, due to his remarks.
He said attempts by scholars to correct Saad had been rejected, as he refused to amend his statements.
"The Tabligh movement was founded by Darul Uloom Deoband. Those who oppose Maulana Saad are not 'Deobandi' or 'Hefazati', they are simply upholding the correct path,” the Hefazat ameer said.
He further referenced Ilyas (RA), the founder of the Tabligh movement, who had said if knowledge and remembrance (zikr) were removed from Tabligh, misguidance would enter the movement.
In his closing remarks, Maulana Babunagari said that the people of Bangladesh do not want any disorder or turmoil resulting from the actions of Maulana Saad.
He expressed hope that the government would make the right decision after carefully considering all factors.
“We do not want any chaos in our newly independent Bangladesh, which has been achieved through the sacrifices of students and scholars. We trust that the government will make the correct decision for the nation’s well-being,” he said.
