Nasiruddin Calls on Islamic Scholars to Take National Leadership Role

National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary has called on Islamic scholars to play a broader leadership role in national affairs, saying they should go beyond leading mosques and unite to guide the country.He made the remarks on Thursday morning while addressing a discussion titled "Bloody July: Achievements and Expectations", organised by Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon at the DCC Hall in Purana Paltan, Dhaka.“Olama should not limit themselves to leading prayers in mosques. They should take responsibility for leading the nation. If they can set aside differences and unite to provide national leadership, we are ready to work under their guidance,” Patwary said.He also said the NCP was not an opponent of the government but a well-wisher, adding that the party’s statements were intended to caution and assist the government rather than oppose it.Patwary further said that different Islamic groups, including Deobandi, Ahl-e-Hadith, Sunni and Jamaat, could work together on common national issues to help build the country.Speaking as the chief guest, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon Ameer Allama Abu Zafar Qasemi said the country had gained little after what he described as a “second independence,” and urged the government to implement the July Charter and the referendum verdict.The event, chaired by Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon Joint Secretary General and Dhaka Metropolitan Ameer Maulana Muhammad Hossain Akand, was attended by Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh Joint Secretary General Mufti Harun Izhar, JAGPA spokesperson Rashed Pradhan, retired Major General Mahbubul Alam, retired Lt Col Hasinur Rahman, National Olama Alliance Member Secretary Maulana Sanaullah Khan and several other political and religious leaders.Addressing the gathering, Rashed Pradhan alleged that freedom of expression was under threat, citing attacks on NCP leaders in different parts of the country. He also criticised the government, claiming it was focused on implementing its own agenda instead of the July Charter.Several speakers also expressed concern over rising prices of fuel and essential commodities, alleging that the government had failed to control the market. They called for unity to press for the implementation of the July Charter, the referendum verdict and other public demands.