Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain on Friday said that those engaged in acts of sabotage cannot be considered patriots.

“Since the interim government assumed office, it has faced a series of challenges, including efforts to obstruct its journey through conflicts and acts of sabotage,” he said while speaking at a memorial event for the late Dr Jamal Nazrul Islam, held at the Jamiatul Ulum Madrasa ground in Chattogram's Lalkhan Bazar.

The adviser noted that nearly five months have passed since the government took charge and during this time, incidents of sabotage have occurred almost every month, including blockades around the Secretariat, incitement of communal tensions and attempts to provoke conflict between hill communities and Bengalis.

He said that even arson was reported at the Secretariat, the nerve center of the administration.

Issuing a stern warning, he emphasised that saboteurs will face no leniency. “A high-profile investigation committee has already been formed to probe the arson at the Secretariat. Strict legal action will be taken against those found guilty,” he said. 

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Recalling the contributions of Dr Jamal Nazrul Islam, the adviser described him as a humble, virtuous, and straightforward individual who was deeply devoted to the madrasa. "He donated 30 acres of land to establish Jamiatul Ulum Lalkhan Bazar Madrasa, a contribution that will be remembered forever," he said. 

Highlighting Jamal Nazrul Islam's patriotism, he noted that the late scholar left a high-paying job at Cambridge University to return to Bangladesh, accepting a modest salary as a mathematics professor at Chattogram University.

The event was presided over by Mufti Muhammad Izharul Islam Chowdhury, founder and director-general of Jamiatul Ulum Madrasa while Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain inaugurated the program.

Special guests included Syed Reza Mir Mohammadi, cultural counselor at the Iranian Embassy and Dr Mohammad Yahia Akhtar, vice-chancellor of Chattogram University.