Cash Envelope Controversy: BNP Denies, Mufti Usama Confirms Photo

Allegations have surfaced against Md. Aminul Haque, the BNP-nominated candidate for the Dhaka-16 constituency, regarding the distribution of cash envelopes and prayer mats (Janamaz) to local religious leaders. A photograph of an envelope, containing Taka 1,000 and bearing the 'Sheaf of Paddy' (Dhaner Shesh) symbol alongside Aminul Haque’s name, has gone viral on social media.

Netizens allege that Aminul Haque is providing these "financial gifts" to Khatibs of various mosques in the constituency to sway them in his favor. However, the candidate's office has formally denied the claims.

Details of the Viral Envelope

The envelope circulating on Facebook is addressed to: “Janab, Khatib Saheb, Baitus Salat Jame Masjid.” Below the address, “1000/=” is written, a common notation for monetary value. The top center features the BNP party flag, while a large 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol and the candidate’s name and address are printed on the left.

The Baitus Salat Jame Masjid is located in Pallabi, Mirpur. Its long-standing Khatib is the prominent Islamic speaker Mufti Ali Hasan Usama, who recently made headlines by officially joining Jamaat-e-Islami.

Outrage from the Religious Community

The image was shared by one Mufti Golam Rabbi Islam, who questioned the ethics of the act. He wrote:

"BNP candidate Aminul Haque has given 1,000 Taka each to mosque Khatibs to campaign for the Sheaf of Paddy. Is this legal? You can give a gift, but in an envelope with a party symbol? Do they think we can be bought for 1,000 Taka? They think everyone is like the Moulvis of Jamiat!"

When contacted by The Daily Campus, Mufti Golam Rabbi identified himself as a member of the Ulema Department of Jamaat-e-Islami (Dhaka North) and Majlisul Mufassirin. He stated, “This envelope was given to Ali Hasan Usama Bhai. He posted it; you can find it on his Facebook.”

Confirmation from Mufti Usama

While the post was not visible on his public profile at the time of this report, Mufti Ali Hasan Usama confirmed the incident to The Daily Campus via WhatsApp. He explicitly stated:

“I took that photo myself on my mobile phone.”

Denials from the BNP Camp

Md. Aminul Haque did not respond to multiple phone calls for comment. However, his Chief Media Coordinator, S.M. Ashraf, dismissed the allegations when speaking to The Daily Campus.

“This is not true. Aminul Haque Bhai would never give money like this in his life. Even if he did, why would he give a Khatib only one thousand Taka? Aminul Haque Bhai gives one thousand Taka to beggars,” Ashraf claimed.