Amid the continuing debate over the future of madrasa education in Assam, All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) MLA Hafiz Rafiqul Islam on Monday, January 19, launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, questioning the government’s stance on the credibility of madrasa-based education and cautioning against what he described as the systematic marginalisation of traditional learning institutions.
Speaking at the annual Khatme Bukhari programme in Badarpur in Sribhumi district, the AIUDF legislator cited historical and personal examples to refute claims that madrasa education lacks academic merit. He referred to Maulana Abdul Jalil Choudhury, a freedom fighter and madrasa educator who was elected as an MLA six times, highlighting the role of madrasa-educated leaders in Assam’s freedom struggle and political history.
Hafiz Rafiqul Islam also shared his own academic journey, noting that after studying in madrasas, he went on to teach at Gauhati University. He said he served as a faculty member at the university for two years—the same institution from which Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma obtained his doctoral degree—arguing that madrasa education does not hinder academic or professional achievement.
Based on these examples, the MLA strongly criticised the state government’s decision to shut down madrasa education in Assam, rejecting allegations that such institutions offer inferior or illegitimate education. He maintained that the move undermines a long-standing educational tradition and disregards the contributions of madrasa-educated individuals to society.
The remarks were made in the presence of thousands of Islamic faithful who had gathered for the annual Khatme Bukhari programme in Badarpur.
