We present a speech by Alhaj Syed Nazibul Bashar Maizvandary, Member of Parliament and Chairman, Bangladesh Tariqat Federation
Address at the residence of the Head of Chechen Republic at the annual meeting of the Russia – Islamic World strategic vision group
His Excellency, Head of Chechen Republic Mr Ramzan Kadyrov, high officials of the Chechen Republic, distinguished guests and dignitaries from across the world; As-Salamu Alikum wa rahamtullah.
I would like to start of my address with the quote From Gausel Azam Shikh Abdul Qader Jilani (RA), who is known to be the greatest Sufis of all Sufis. And I quote:
“Look towards that person who looks towards you, love that person that loves you, listen to that person that listens to you and give your hands in his hands that are prepared to grasp it”.
Now, please do allow me to introduce myself in this grand gathering. My Name is Alhaj Syed Nazibul Bashar, Al-Maizvandary, Al hassani wal hussaini. I belong to a renowned Sufi, spiritual family in Chittagong, which is over 200 years old. The Maizvandary ‘Tariqa’ was founded by my great-great grandfather Hazrat Syed Ahamedullah Maizvanadary (Rht. Al Hasani waal Hossaini 1826-1906) and Syed Golamur Rahman Maizvandary (Rht. Al Hassani waal Hossani 1865 – 1937) This sufi saints are direct decedents of Gausel Azam Sheikh Abul Qader Jilani (RA) and are carrying the bloodline of the Prophet (SAW). They travelled from Iraq to India and Bangladesh, both of them has established Maizbhandari Tariqa while preaching Islam in Bangladesh as well as south east Asia.
Besides my Sufi, spiritual role to my community, to our devotees, I happen to be the Chairman of Bangladesh Tariqat Federation (BTF), the one and only Sufi Political Party imbued by the spirit of war of liberation and I’m representing here as an elected Member of Parliament of Bangladesh . Bangladesh Tariqat Federation (BTF) is constituted of more than 300 Sufi saints and over. 1400 shrines, Dargahs, Mazars and Khankahs across 82000 villages in Bangladesh. Our party BTF was Launched with the determination and aim with strong will to fight uprising of terrorism, extremism in the name of Islam in Bangladesh and around the world. In the last election, we formed a 14 party alliance with the current ruling party – Awami League under the leadership of honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh Tariqat Federation with its millions of followers is fighting everyday against Islamic militancy, threats , fanaticism & terrorism mostly fueled by local Bangladeshi salafis as well as self motivated outsiders who are responsible for the ‘unrest’ in our country. Although we have 85% Muslim majority in our country but as Bangladesh is a liberal and secular country, people from all religion are freely observing their religion as constitution guarantees it. The Theme of our party as well as Bangladesh Government is – peaceful coexistence with people of all faiths and ensure their freedom and liberty which is absolutely based on the spirit of Charter of Madina.
My party BTF along with all Sufi Muslims and along with people – irrespective of gender, cast or creed is leading the fight against terror ideology and with our weapon being knowledge based on Quran and Sunnah and with love, compassion and humanity being our approach.
In our fight against terrorism which myself was a part of it from the age of 17 and now community and a political party we have seen the bitter truth and ugliness of this so called Muslims can bring. Our scholars’ every day, in every corner of Bangladesh are preaching the true values of Islam and to stop the young people from being radicalized. We have our own de-radicalization model which our government has implemented in various sectors and many international organizations too.
However, it is very sad and disheartening that sometimes, we feel dejected as because this enemies of Islam and humanity this terrorism seems to be gathering strength due to inflow of money spent in the name of mosques, Islamic schools, orphanages, etc just to build up their wrong ideology which later being used as their fighters, donors or their supporters.
My fellow friends, we all knew that love has no border or boundaries but in today’s world it seems that terrorism has no border or boundaries and we all fall victim to terrorism. Therefore, it is important for all of us to unite and commit to each other that we should all stand up together and fight the terrorism threat that is pervading in the world now.
In order to bring PEACE, Republic of Chechnya , Tatar Stan, and Russia can play a vital role using this platform and involving and engaging secular and liberal Muslim majority countries . We do highly appreciate the role of Russia in the crisis ridden Syria recently and elsewhere and we urge Moscow to be the flag bearer of PEACE against dubious western powers who are clamoring for peace in one hand and arming & funding terrorist and miscreants on the other.
Under the leadership of Russia, there’s a fair chance that Muslim World could be re-organized, reunited and PEACE could be attainable if we could adopt the following resolutions and implement the same, going forward:
1. Underscore the need to highlight, support and strengthen the base of Sufi Islam and its related countries, nations, forces, forums, parties, individuals all around the world .
2. To bring all like-minded parties, who believes in PEACE through Sufi Islam and all religion under one umbrella – formulate a strong Executive Body in the likes of UN or OIC which could work together under the leadership of Moscow and establish a powerful network . My party – Bangladesh Tariqat Federation will provide all out support and ready to work closely and contribute positively so that the action plans and its implementation become visible and tangible all around the world.
3. As Moscow is one of our proven friends for their historic role in the war of liberation of Bangladesh in 1971 and their current cooperation for installing Ruppor Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh, I urge and feel that Moscow should come forward open handed in order to help Bangladesh resist terrorism and fight poverty. Because, extremism grows out of poverty and unemployment. As Bangladesh is trying to graduate form Least Developed Country to Middle Income Country by the year 2040, Moscow could make the best use of its friend – Bangladesh due to its strategic location and growing economy.
4. Chechniya and Bangladesh both being a Muslim state and Islam being preached in similar way, both the state and nation can engage in Cultural, Islamic and business trades to boost bilateral relationship.
5. I would like to urge this forum to adopt following resolution & to make a 5 years plan to sustain global peace through a few initiatives:
– To create a fund for less fortunate people of targeted countries
– To establish office in major cities to those targeted countries
– Distribute these funds through NGOs or any foundation of various countries which are related to this forum on specific proposal of work.
– Can open a Joint Venture Islamic bank and reach out to targeted groups
– Can establish Sufi based mosque , libraries and center
– Can create Zakat fund which can be utilized for providing poor people to bring them to mainstream.
– Increase business and tourism tie up with parties involved with forum members & Russian Govt.
Given the scope and opportunity, Bangladesh Tariqat Federation as well as I can do all sorts of advocacy and campaign on behalf of the forum at home and abroad and Moscow may assist these programs directly or through its agencies.
6. This is a terrible time we are passing through and we have to think together for sustainable peace and prosperity not only for the region but also for the whole world. I am also of the opinion to entice and include India and Africa so that the benefit of this forum and its agenda reaches those shores.
7. Last but not least, I, on behalf of our party – Bangledesh Tariqat Federaton , I would like to propose this summit to be held in Bangladesh next. And through frequent exchange of bilateral teams of culture, heritage and Islamic intellectuals, it will gain momentum and enhance fraternity, and can achieve global peace through the able leadership of President Vladimir Putin of Russia.
Before I conclude, I would like to express my vote of thanks to the host, the President of Tatarstan / Chechnya, the Russian government as well as Russian Federation for giving me the wonderful opportunity to be at this forum.
May the Noor of the Prophet (SAW) guide us through the rough terrain and show us the straight path towards Allah. Amen.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"