BNP Urges India to Review Waqf (Amendment) Act

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Sunday called on the Indian government to reconsider its newly passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, expressing concerns that the law infringes upon the rights of India's Muslim minority community.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed made the appeal during a press conference at the BNP Chairperson's office in Gulshan.

"India is one of the world’s largest democracies. We urge the Indian government, as the guardian of the state, to reconsider this law to uphold the rights of all religious communities," Salahuddin said. "We believe such a step would play a historic role in preserving regional religious harmony."

The controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, passed in the Indian parliament just days ago, has sparked concerns among many, including the BNP. Salahuddin noted that upon reviewing its provisions, the BNP found elements that appear to undermine the rights of India’s Muslim community.

He further described the law as "discriminatory" towards Muslims.

Explaining the significance of Waqf, Salahuddin said it is an ancient Islamic practice where individuals permanently donate land or assets for religious or public welfare purposes. "Such Waqf properties cannot be sold or transferred," he emphasized.

Referring to the opinions of organizations like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, he argued that the composition of the Waqf Board of Directors should consist solely of Muslims. "They view the new legislation as direct interference in the rights of the Muslim community," he added.

Salahuddin concluded by urging India to uphold the foundational principles of the Waqf system as enshrined in Islamic law, warning that failure to do so could erode the rights of religious minorities and disrupt communal harmony in the region.