Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Maqbul Ahmad has issued the following statement on 9 November 2019 urging to offer voluntary prayer, zikir for seeking refuge and protection from the approaching Cyclone Bulbul which is likely to make landfall in the Sundarbans, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Khulna and Barisal this evening.

In the statement, Jamaat Ameer stated that according to the met office, cyclone Bulbul which is likely to make landfall in the Sundarbans, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Khulna and Barisal this evening. Besides, Low-lying areas of the coastal districts are “likely to be inundated by storm surge of 5-7 feet height above normal astronomical tide” because of the approaching cyclone. If that happens, it may put disastrous impact over the entire region.

He further said, all the disasters and catastrophe approach as per the directives of Almighty Allah. Allah, the Exalted, says in the Quran that “Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere (Al Baqara: Verse 155). But it is not easy to pass His given exam. If we want to get rid of such crises, we have no alternative but submitting ourselves before Almighty Allah, with full sincerity and devotion.

Allah says in the Quran, “seek ((Allah)'s) help with patient perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit” (Sura Al Baqara: Verse 45). Quoting the verse, Jamaat Ameer urges the fellow countrymen to offer voluntary prayer, zikir for seeking refuge and protection from the approaching Cyclone Bulbul which is likely to make landfall in the Sundarbans, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Khulna and Barisal this evening.

He stated that, all the concerned institutions should work together to evacuate the people from the coastal areas. Special arrangements to be taken for the sake of the women, children and aged people. Foods, drinking water and necessary medicines to be stored to avert any untoward crisis. The government and its concerned department should play pivotal role in this regard. Because, it is the constitutional duty and obligations of the government to take stand by the side of the people in such crucial period. Jamaat Ameer seeks mercy and blessings from Allah to remain safe and protected from the approaching cyclone. He also called upon the government, donor agencies and Jamaat leaders and activists of the coastal districts to remain prepared for helping the disaster victims.