NSI Officer Faces Allegation Over Friday Sermon Incident in Pabna

An official of the National Security Intelligence (NSI) has been accused of disrupting a Friday sermon at a mosque in Pabna during a discussion related to the upcoming referendum.

The incident allegedly took place on Friday (January 22) at the Arifpur JUS Fazil Madrasa Mosque in Pabna Sadar upazila.

According to the mosque’s imam and several worshippers, the imam, Ahsan Ullah, was delivering a sermon that included references to the referendum, reportedly following instructions from the district administration and the Islamic Foundation. During the sermon, some worshippers objected and requested that the khutba proceed without political references.

Witnesses claimed that during the exchange, an NSI official present at the mosque intervened and objected to the discussion. Tensions reportedly escalated briefly before other worshippers stepped in. The official later left the mosque premises after the prayers.

The accused officer has been identified as Abdullah Al Mamun, Rajshahi divisional joint director of the NSI. No formal complaint has yet been filed in connection with the incident.

Contacted for comment, Abdullah Al Mamun denied obstructing any discussion related to the referendum. He said the imam was speaking on various issues, including the constitution, and that he only requested the sermon focus on the Quran and Hadith.

“He did not speak about the referendum, and we are also not opposed to it,” he said, adding that he was concerned about the issue being reported as news.

Pabna Deputy Commissioner and District Returning Officer Shahed Mustafa said he was not aware of the incident before being contacted by reporters.

“I have heard about the matter for the first time. I will look into it and will be able to comment after gathering details,” he said.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any official inquiry will be conducted.