DHAKA, April 6, (V7N): The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has urged the Indian government to reconsider the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, citing concerns over its potential infringement on the rights of the country’s Muslim-minority community.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed made the call at a press conference held at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka. Speaking on behalf of the BNP, he expressed hope that India, known as one of the largest democracies in the world, would respect the religious freedoms of all communities.

“We hope the Indian government, as the guardian of the state, will reconsider this law to uphold the rights of every religious faith,” Salahuddin said. “Such an initiative would serve as a historic step towards ensuring regional religious harmony.”

Referring to the Waqf system in Islam, Salahuddin explained that it involves a permanent endowment of property for religious or public welfare purposes. He noted that such properties, once donated, are not to be sold or transferred under Islamic law.

The BNP leader argued that the new amendment goes against the fundamental spirit of Waqf, as understood in Islamic tradition. Citing assessments from organisations such as the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, he said the law imposes unnecessary interference in Muslim religious affairs.

He further criticized the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards, suggesting that the board should be composed solely of Muslims to properly represent community interests. “This law, in its current form, is not only discriminatory but also a direct intervention in the rights of Muslims,” Salahuddin added.

END/MSS/RH/