Foizul Haque, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Jhalokathi-1 (Rajapur-Kathalia), has been issued a show-cause notice over remarks suggesting that “even someone enjoying a bidi could have their sins forgiven if they perform the ‘Dari Pal’ prayer.”
The notice, issued on Friday evening by Rezwana Afrin, Joint District and Sessions Judge, 2nd Court, chief of the constituency’s Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee, cites alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct.
Foizul Haque is accused of hurting religious sentiments and using religion for electoral gain during his campaign. He has been instructed to appear in person at the committee office on January 12 to submit a written explanation.
The notice refers to his January 7 speech in Rajapur, where he said: “My brother may never have had the opportunity to worship. Even in the enjoyment of smoking a bidi, if he offers the Dari Pal prayer, Allah may forgive his past sins and bless him.” The statement was reported by several media outlets.
The committee noted that his remarks may violate multiple provisions of the 2025 Election Code of Conduct, including using religion to influence voters, misusing religious or ethnic sentiments on social media, and campaigning before the permitted time.
Responding to the notice, Foizul Haque told Prothom Alo: “My statement has been misrepresented. As a parliamentary candidate, I speak to people of all backgrounds. I specifically addressed people who smoke bidi or cigarettes in shops. I respect the law and am ready to submit my written explanation at the proper time.”
