Clash of criticism over Jamaat meeting inside mosque during UP candidate selection in Rangpur

In Mithapukur upazila of Rangpur, a strong criticism has arisen after Jamaat-e-Islami held a party meeting inside a mosque by placing chairs and tables. Local people have alleged that the religious etiquette and sanctity of the mosque were violated through political activities held inside it.

According to local sources, the meeting was held after Maghrib prayers on Thursday inside Chakpara Jame Mosque of Imadpur union. During the meeting, Monohar Badsha was announced as the Jamaat candidate for the Union Parishad chairman post.

Leaders from upazila and union levels of Jamaat-e-Islami were present in the meeting. After photos of the event spread on social media, strong criticism and anger emerged among local worshippers and residents.

Locals described the act as disrespectful to the mosque’s sanctity and inappropriate behavior. Religious scholars also said that political debates or controversial discussions inside mosques are not appropriate and harm the mosque environment.

Later, Jamaat-e-Islami Mithapukur upazila Ameer Asaduzzaman Shimul responded, saying that they have taken the reaction into consideration and will be more careful in the future to avoid holding such meetings in mosques.