Bangladeshi Islamist Leader Vows To Follow Taliban Model If Voted To Power: 'Will Introduce...'
Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, leader of the Islamist group Jamaat–Char Monai and chief of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, declared that if his party forms the next government, it will model Bangladesh's governance on Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and implement nationwide Sharia law. In an interview, Karim said, 'If government is formed by winning the national election, the Islamic Movement Bangladesh will introduce Sharia law in the country."
'The current governance system of Afghanistan will be followed," he added. Karim went on to assert that his party's interpretation of Islamic governance would also draw elements from Iran, as he said, 'If needed, we will follow Iran's model too. We will take what is good from anywhere in the world- America, England, Russia- as long as it does not contradict Sharia."
The remarks sparked sharp backlash from Bangladesh's ruling Awami League, which accused the Jamaat–Char Monai alliance of openly laying out a blueprint for transforming the secular democracy into a religious state governed by rigid Islamic law.
Calling the interview 'chilling", the Awami League issued a statement warning of a coordinated agenda by Islamist factions to dismantle democratic norms, enforce religious codes and suppress women's and minority rights.
The party pointed to a rise in sectarian violence, including attacks on Hindu temples, disruptions of religious ceremonies and increasing threats against women. It blamed the Yunus-led interim government for failing to curb what it called 'unchecked extremism" since Sheikh Hasina's removal from office in August last year.
Karim, however, remained unapologetic about his vision, asserting, 'We are not talking about violence. We are talking about a system based on the Quran and Hadith. And if the people vote for it, then it is their choice."
He also claimed that his party would not immediately dismantle the current state apparatus, saying, 'We will implement Sharia law step by step. What does not conflict with Islam- we will keep. What does- we will change."
First Published:
July 04, 2025, 21:17 IST
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