Vote for ‘Daripalla’ symbol guarantees heaven, says Jamaat candidate

A video of a Jamaat-e-Islami candidate claiming that voting for the party’s "Daripalla" (weighing scale) symbol would guarantee paradise has gone viral on social media.

In the video, Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidate for the Lakshmipur-4 (Ramgati–Kamalnagar) constituency, AR Hafiz Ullah, is heard telling voters that those who vote in favour of Islam and the Holy Qur’an will earn religious merit and are assured of heaven, while those who vote against the Qur’an will be committing sin.

“If you vote for the ‘Daripalla’ in support of Islam and the Holy Qur’an, you will earn rewards for doing so. By voting, you are standing with Allah and the Holy Qur’an, and paradise is guaranteed for you,” he says. “And I say that those who vote against the Holy Qur’an will be sinners.”

According to local sources, the remarks were made on Sunday during door-to-door campaigning in the constituency. Hafiz Ullah also serves as the secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami in Lakshmipur district.

In the footage, seen speaking to voters through a handheld microphone, Hafiz Ullah questions the distribution of government welfare benefits. He says, “There are widow allowances, old-age allowances, child allowances, maternity allowances and disability allowances — do you actually receive these? You do not. There are also fishermen’s cards, but those are not available either. One party has been destroyed by corruption, and another committed corruption in the past and is now ready to do it again. As your sons, your brothers, we promise you that not a single taka of corruption or irregularity will occur through us.”

The video has drawn widespread criticism on social media, with many accusing the candidate of exploiting religious sentiments for electoral gain.

Asked about the authenticity of the video, Hafiz Ullah said he could not recall making such a statement. “I do not remember whether I made such remarks. However, I may have misspoken inadvertently. Sometimes my speeches are also presented in a fragmented manner,” he claimed.

Assistant Returning Officer and Ramgati Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nilufa Yasmin said she had heard about the matter from several officials. “The issue is being looked into. If any written complaint is submitted, it will be forwarded to the returning officer for necessary action,” she said.

(13th National Parliamentary Election 2026)