Habiganj, Sept 13 (V7N) - A discussion meeting on the role of imams and muezzins in building a society free from terrorism, corruption and drugs and grounded in humanitarian values was held in Habiganj on Saturday.

The meeting, attended by government-supported imams and muezzins from the Habiganj-3 constituency comprising Sadar, Lakhai and Shayestaganj, was held at the District Council Auditorium at 11am.

Whip of the National Parliament and Habiganj-3 lawmaker G K Gaus, who chairs the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, attended the meeting as the chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, G K Gaus said imams and muezzins have a vital role to play in building a peaceful, ideal and values-based society.

“Islam is a religion of peace and truth. Imams and muezzins must play an important role in eliminating terrorism, corruption and drugs from society and in keeping the younger generation away from such crimes,” he said.

He said mosques must not be used for political activities. He urged imams to highlight during sermons and religious discussions the serious consequences of corruption and the punishment prescribed in Islam for corrupt practices.

“Islam has no place for drugs or terrorism, nor does it permit suicide,” he said, calling on imams and muezzins to regularly raise awareness of these issues in mosques.

Gaus said he wanted to undertake various initiatives for the betterment of Habiganj with the cooperation of imams and muezzins.

He claimed that millions of taka in grants had been provided to different mosques in his constituency over the past six months, adding that no mosque had been allowed to install plaques bearing his name.

“People’s love cannot be earned through nameplates. The events of August 5, 2024, are proof of that. I am working to seek the pleasure of Allah,” he said.

He said Bangladesh belongs to everyone and called for people to work together beyond political differences to advance the country.

“We did not seek anyone’s political identity when providing government allowances to imams and muezzins. We believe that we need to reach out to them and work together for the betterment of society,” he said.

Addressing party activists, Gaus urged BNP members to stay away from terrorism, corruption and drugs and refrain from any activities that could harm society.

He called for following the government’s stated approach of doing more work and making fewer statements, and urged everyone to work together to build a Bangladesh reflecting the aspirations of those who died in the 2024 mass uprising.

The meeting was chaired by Habiganj Deputy Commissioner Dr G M Sarfaraz. Islamic Foundation Habiganj Deputy Director Muhammad Muniruzzaman delivered the welcome address.

Habiganj Superintendent of Police Tarek Mahmud, Department of Narcotics Control Habiganj Deputy Director Sheikh Muhammad Khaledul Karim, Habiganj Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abdullah Abu Jaher, Lakhai Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tarek Hasan, Shayestaganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Asaduzzaman and Habiganj Sadar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zahidul Haque spoke as special guests.

The meeting was moderated by Delwar Hossain, a field officer of the Islamic Foundation. Mawlana Ashraful Wadud also addressed the gathering.

The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Mawlana Zainal Abedin Faruqi, followed by a devotional performance in praise of the Prophet Muhammad by Zillur Rahman Ashekhi.

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