Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has emphasized the importance of national unity over religious division, stating that Jamaat does not support dividing the nation along religious lines.

Instead, he called for building a united Bangladesh where people of all faiths can live harmoniously.

He made these remarks on Saturday while addressing a gathering of Islamic scholars, preachers (da’ee) and religious speakers at a national conference organized by the party’s Central Ulama Committee at Al-Falah auditorium at Moghbazar in Dhaka.

Citing the most recent national census, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman noted that Muslims constitute 90.8 percent of the population, with the rest comprising Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and followers of other faiths.

“Despite our religious diversity, we are not in favour of dividing the nation on religious grounds. We have coexisted for decades and want to see a united, inclusive nation,” he said.

He added that Bangladesh stands out globally as a country known for its communal harmony and peaceful coexistence.

“None of us chose the religion or the family into which we were born; it was the will of Allah. Therefore, we must respect one another and individuals should choose their faith through reasoning and conscience.”

Reflecting on the role of Islamic preachers and scholars, the Jamaat chief urged them to lead by example in following and promoting the eternal message of the Qur`an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

“It is our collective duty to implement and spread this divine guidance, as Prophet (PBUH) did through his life, mission and actions,” he said.

He praised the religious speakers and scholars in attendance for encouraging people to work toward a just, moral and compassionate society.

“Your role as da`ees (callers to faith) is vital. Like the Prophet, you have a historic responsibility to guide humanity toward truth and righteousness,” he concluded.