Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, on August 14, issued the following statement recalling the contributions of the former Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, internationally renowned Islamic thinker, and the noted scholar of the holy Quran Allama Delawar Hossain Sayedee.
“On the night of August 14, 2023, due to medical negligence in the prison cell at PG Hospital, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s former Nayeb-e-Ameer, internationally acclaimed Islamic thinker, and Quranic scholar Allama Delawar Hossain Sayedee passed away (Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un). He was brought from Kashimpur Prison to Dhaka in a critical condition and admitted to PG Hospital in the evening. The attending doctors and hospital authorities did not take proper measures for his treatment. Numerous reports of medical negligence were circulated. During this time, his children and wife were not allowed to meet him. In such circumstances, he passed away at PG Hospital.
After Allama Delwar Hossain Sayedee’s demise, he was not allowed to have his funeral prayers in Dhaka. When millions of devoted people demanded to perform the janaza in Dhaka, the police fired tear gas, sound grenades, and live bullets, injuring hundreds to disperse the gathering even within the hospital compound. Eventually, Allama Delwar Hossain Sayedee’s body was taken to his ancestral home in Pirojpur, where his funeral prayers were held and he was buried. Millions of devoted people prayed for him with tearful eyes, seeking Allah’s mercy.
Allama Sayedee is no longer among us, yet he has left a legacy through his life and work. For more than half a century, he has been engaged in Quranic exegesis both at home and abroad. His countless speeches and video recordings are widely circulated on social media, inspiring people and invigorating them with Islamic ideals. As a Member of the National Parliament and as chairman and member of various parliamentary committees, he played significant roles. His written Islamic literature, works of tafsir, and books on the life of the Prophet (pbuH) will continue to illuminate the path for the generations to come. The religious educational institutions he established will produce preachers and scholars who will continue his unfinished work, Insha Allah. I remember his contributions with profound respect.
We remember his knowledge, da’wah, and life of sacrifice with deep love, respect, and gratitude. He was a fearless voice for truth and justice, dedicated throughout his life to establishing Allah’s religion and serving humanity. Though he has returned to Allah, his approach and methodology remain alive among us. By following this path, Insha Allah, we will be able to build a modern welfare state based on justice and human dignity.
May Allah grant him the highest rank in Jannatul Firdous, bless us with the ability to implement his da’wah approach in our lives, and give us the strength to continue the struggle he left behind.
He aspired for a martyr’s death. May Allah Almighty, accept his passing as a shaheed’s death. I call upon the leaders, workers, and supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatrashibir, as well as our beloved countrymen, to advance the dream of Allama Sayedee by striving for the establishment of a welfare-oriented Islamic state.”
