Claim that voting for Jamaat will lead to heaven has no basis in Islam: Fakhrul

The paddy sheaf candidate for the Thakurgaon-1 constituency made the remark during an election campaign

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged voters not to support those who use religion in politics.

Fakhrul, who is contesting the Thakurgaon-1 constituency in the parliamentary election, made the comment while attending an election rally at Akcha Union in Sadar Upazila on Saturday afternoon.

“A group is trying to mislead my Muslim brothers by claiming that voting for the 'weighing scale' [Jamaat-e-Islami's election] symbol will lead them to heaven. There is no such teaching anywhere in Islam,” he said.

“Those who follow Allah’s orders can go to heaven; no one else can. Those who say otherwise are not telling the truth,” said Fakhrul.

“Today we are happy that Hindus and Muslims are thinking alike. We will not support those who engage in politics based on religion,” he said.

Fakhrul said Jamaat cannot be trusted, recalling that during the 1971 Liberation War, the party supported Pakistan. He added that Jamaat has never apologised and cannot be relied upon.

Addressing the Hindu community, he assured: “Do not be afraid -- vote and live without fear. I stand with you.”

Fakhrul urged voters to choose the Sheaf of Paddy symbol on Feb 12.

He said he spent 15 years fighting for citizens’ voting rights, faced 117 cases, and served over three years in jail but has no regrets.

“Having the chance to vote and improve the country is our joy,” he said.