Mahfuj warns ‘everyone is eager for conflict’, says religious angle could ‘worsen’ situation

The advisor urges unity and social dialogue to prevent unrest, saying violence could “endanger” national stability

Information Advisor Mahfuj Alam has warned that Bangladesh is heading toward conflict within the next few months, saying “everyone is waiting for it to happen”.

Speaking at a national dialogue on Saturday, Mahfuj cautioned that if a “religious dimension” becomes attached to the looming conflict, the country’s situation could “deteriorate” further.

“Everyone has the right to take an ideological stance,” he said. “But when that right is violated by another, conflict becomes inevitable. Therefore, before it happens, we must raise the call for unity.”

Referring to the current political climate, he said many are holding back from confrontation because of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus’s “position”.

Mahfuj said he had heard that the Awami League was “trying to exploit religious sentiment by spreading claims that the Yunus government is demolishing shrines and removing people from mosques.”

“This is not an issue of the interim government. It’s been happening for 50 years -- whenever the government changes, mosque committees and the Islamic Foundation’s governing bodies are replaced,” he added.

He urged for continued dialogue among all religious and ideological groups, saying the absence of such discussion “will not benefit the state”.

“Despite the political ‘fascism’ being overthrown in the July Uprising, social ‘fascism’ still exists,” Mahfuj said.

“We now have to confront both social and cultural ‘fascism’.”

The advisor accused some political parties of aligning with forces that distort Islamic traditions.

“Those who practise politics in the name of Islam have ignored the thousand-year history and heritage of Islam,” he said. “If we don’t confront the project to remove religion from state and political discourse, this crisis won’t end soon.

“Any retaliatory violence following attacks on shrines and spiritual centres could undermine state stability. This violence must be stopped at all costs.”

Mahfuj urged society to take initiative against violence through open dialogue. “The shrines and spiritual institutions are vital parts of Bangladesh’s history and culture.

“Violence against them must end to preserve the country’s heritage,” he said. “The Sufi community should demand that all parties include protection of Sufi society in their manifestos for the next national election.”