Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman has called on those involved in madrasa education to remain vigilant and transparent, saying the system is closely associated with Islamic values and teachings.

He made the remarks while addressing the National Mufassir Conference as the chief guest at the IDEB Bhaban in Kakrail on Saturday (October 3). The Bangladesh Majlisul Mufassireen organised the conference.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said there are both Qawmi and Alia madrasas in the country. If any shortcomings are found in these institutions, they should not be dismissed by comparing them with colleges and universities.

“Colleges and universities do not work in the name of Islam. Since the core concept of madrasas is Islam, we have to remain transparent here,” he said.

Referring to the educational tradition of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, the Jamaat chief said, “Our comparison should be with the madrasa of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. The teacher of that madrasa was the great Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), while its students were the pious Companions.”

Warning Islamic scholars to remain cautious, he said, “Because of one or two untoward incidents, the ulema community is put in the dock. The madrasa education system is put in the dock. Stains are more visible on white clothes. So we have to be careful.”