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At a massive gathering in Dhaka, visiting clerics pushed for a Pakistan-like blasphemy framework and called for the Ahmadiyya community to be declared non-Muslim
More than 35 Pakistani clerics were present, and 19 of them delivered speeches at the event.
In a major CNN-News18 exclusive, two of Pakistan’s most influential clerics used a massive religious gathering in Dhaka to openly pressure Bangladesh into adopting a Pakistan-style blasphemy law and declaring the Ahmadiyya (Qadiani) community as non-Muslim.
The speeches were delivered at Sohrawardy Udyan, a location historically tied to Bangladesh’s liberation struggle, the surrender of the Pakistani Army in 1971, and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s iconic address. Experts say the messaging appears connected to attempts to set up extremist networks across South Asia.
What Happened At Dhaka’s Conference
The Khatme Nabuwat Grand Conference at Sohrawardy Uddan began at 9 am with formal speeches and continued until 3:30 pm. It was organised by the United Khatme Nabuwat Council and supervised by the Khatme Nabuwat Protection Committee, Bangladesh.
The gathering brought together fundamentalist Islamic scholars from five countries, including a sizeable delegation from Pakistan. More than 35 Pakistani clerics were present, and 19 of them delivered speeches at the event.
What Triggered The Flashpoint
The flashpoint came when Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Member of Pakistan’s National Assembly and President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan, and Maulana Aurangzeb Farooqui, senior leader of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, addressed the massive gathering.
Both clerics issued forceful calls, urging Bangladesh to adopt a blasphemy law modelled on Pakistan’s framework. The two leaders framed their message around “Muslim unity”, declaring: “A Kalima from Kabul to Bangladesh – we will win.” (From Kabul to Bangladesh, one Kalima – we will win.)
They also pressed Bangladeshi clerics to push for the Ahmadiyya/Qadiani community to be declared non-Muslim.
Fazlur Rehman’s Fiery Remarks
In one of the most contentious moments of the conference, Maulana Fazlur Rehman told the crowd: “We have bled in Pakistan to honour our Prophet, we will bleed again if needed. They are Kafirs and you must uphold the honour of prophets like us.”
Why Experts Are Alarmed
According to experts, the messaging of the Pakistani clerics aligns with an effort to set up or expand extremist networks across South Asia, using religious identity and blasphemy sentiment as mobilising tools.
The timing, just ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming general elections, is also significant, raising fears that external actors may be attempting to influence the political climate by injecting hardline religious narratives.
Pakistan’s Blasphemy Law Framework Vs Bangladesh’s Penal Code
The contrast between the blasphemy frameworks of Pakistan and Bangladesh is stark. Pakistan’s laws were expanded under General Zia-ul-Haq in the 1980s, introducing Sections 295-B and 295-C of the Penal Code, which prescribe punishments up to death for insulting the Prophet Muhammad.
Bangladesh, by comparison, retains Section 295-A of its colonial-era penal code, which criminalises deliberate insults to religion with a maximum punishment of two years’ imprisonment.
The implication is clear: Pakistan’s framework imposes severe penalties and has fuelled sectarian violence, while Bangladesh’s laws, though less punitive, continue to restrict free expression and are often used against minorities.
Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, …Read More
Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, … Read More
November 16, 2025, 09:20 IST
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