Mosque khatib relieved of duties after calling Hasina ‘autocrat’

A mosque committee in Mymensingh has relieved its khatib of his duties after he described ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina as an “autocrat” during a Friday sermon.

Maulana Mojahidul Islam, khatib of Baitul Mahfuz Purabaria Mor Jame Mosque in Nandail Municipality, was removed by the mosque committee following his remarks on October 23.

Acting Nandail Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Aminul Haque Tarek told Daily Waadaa that he had instructed the local police station to investigate the matter after learning about it through media reports on Sunday.

On October 23, Maulana Mojahidul Islam delivered a Friday sermon on the history and heritage of idols and sculptures and how Muslims should move beyond them.

During the sermon, he referred to a sculpture of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and described his daughter, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, as an “autocrat”.

Mojahidul said mosque committee president Ferdous Bhuiyan relieved him of his duties following the remarks.

The incident later spread across social media, prompting mixed reactions among local worshippers.

Some local residents argued on social media that a khatib's responsibility was not limited to leading prayers but also included speaking the truth. They said any objection to his remarks could have been addressed through discussion, rather than abruptly removing him from his position.

Mojahidul said he was not affiliated with any political party and had made the remark as an example while discussing the subject of his sermon.

He alleged that the mosque committee president, whom he claimed was involved in Awami League politics, had removed him out of political vendetta.