Mamunul Haque (born c. 1973) is a prominent Bangladeshi Islamic scholar, orator, politician, and spiritual leader. He is a significant figure in the conservative Islamic movement in Bangladesh and served as the Joint Secretary General of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, a large non-political and political organization of Islamic clerics and madrasa students. Known for his fiery speeches, conservative interpretations of Islam, and his involvement in various social and political movements, Haque has been a central figure in several national controversies.
Early Life and Education
Mamunul Haque was born into a distinguished religious family in Bangladesh. He is the son of Allama Azizul Haque (d. 2012), a highly respected Islamic scholar and the founder of the Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish. Following in his father's footsteps, Haque received his early religious education from his father and various madrasas. He specialized in Islamic jurisprudence, Hadith, and Tafsir (Quranic exegesis), establishing himself as a distinguished scholar.
Career and Activism
Mamunul Haque rose to prominence as an influential orator and spiritual guide with a large following among madrasa students and conservative Muslims. He became a key leader within Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, a powerful umbrella organization representing conservative Islamic clerics and madrasa students. His role as Joint Secretary General placed him at the forefront of the organization's activities, which often involve advocating for Islamic law, opposing secular policies, and organizing large-scale protests. He has also been actively associated with the Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, serving as its secretary-general for a period.
Haque's public discourse frequently addresses social issues from a conservative Islamic perspective, criticizing what he perceives as moral degradation, secular extremism, and anti-Islamic activities.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Mamunul Haque has been a highly controversial figure, often leading protests and speaking out against government policies and secular ideologies.
- Anti-Modi Protests (2021): In March 2021, he played a leading role in widespread protests across Bangladesh against the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These protests, organized by Hefazat-e-Islam and other Islamic groups, led to significant clashes with law enforcement, resulting in casualties and widespread property damage across the country. Haque was accused of inciting violence and sedition.
- Hotel Incident and Arrest (2021): Following the anti-Modi protests, Haque was involved in a highly publicized incident in April 2021. He was found with a woman in a resort in Narayanganj by local residents, which sparked public outrage and accusations of adultery. Haque claimed the woman was his second wife, but the incident led to further investigations and increased scrutiny. He was subsequently arrested on April 18, 2021, on multiple charges related to violence, vandalism, and incitement during the Hefazat-e-Islam protests. His arrest led to a broader government crackdown on Hefazat leaders and activists.
Views and Ideology
Mamunul Haque is known for his staunchly conservative Islamic views. He advocates for the implementation of Islamic law (Sharia) in Bangladesh and frequently criticizes what he perceives as secularism, atheism, and Western cultural influences. His speeches often emphasize traditional Islamic values, modesty, and the protection of Islam in Bangladeshi society against perceived external and internal threats. He has been a vocal critic of women's rights movements that he views as conflicting with Islamic principles and has opposed various government education policies.
Family
Mamunul Haque is the son of Allama Azizul Haque (d. 2012), a highly respected Islamic scholar and the founder of the Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, which gives him a significant lineage within Bangladesh's religious establishment. He is reported to have multiple wives.