Latest news with #AbdulHamid
Times
17-05-2025
- Times
Clock is ticking in the hunt for Assad's stash of chemical weapons
Abdul Hamid walks slowly in a black Adidas tracksuit, head bowed, through a dusty graveyard. The cemetery, ringed by the remains of bombed-out buildings, bears silent witness to what unfolded in Syria. The 36-year-old tradesman stops, murmurs a prayer and begins pulling weeds from the earth around the sun-bleached gravestones. He points to them one by one: 'My cousin, my wife Sana, both of my children — the twins — another cousin and his daughter, two more cousins and one of his sons, both of my brothers Yasser and Abdul Karim and their children.' The list continues, an unrelenting rhythm of grief. Not a mass grave, but a mass death, all felled by a single, silent killer. On April 4, 2017, a sarin-laced rocket dropped
Malaysia Sun
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysia Sun
Hajj Can Be Catalyst for Muslim Unity, Resistance
In an exclusive interview with Tasnim News Agency, Dr. Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid, the president of Malaysian Islamic Organizations Consultative Council (Mapim), emphasized the untapped potential of the Hajj pilgrimage as a force for Islamic unity and resistance against oppression. As this years Hajj unfolds under the theme: "Hajj: A Quranic Journey, Solidarity, and Support for the Oppressed Palestine,"he shared strategic insights on how the pilgrimage can serve as a platform for reform, dialogue, and collective action across the Muslim world. The following is the full text of the interview with the Malaysian scholar: Tasnim: In your view, what are the key capacities of the great Hajj congregation in promoting Islamic unity, advancing the progress of Muslim countries, strengthening friendships, and reducing conflicts? Abdul Hamid:The Hajj is a divine convergence of the global Ummah. It brings Muslims of every race, language, and culture together in a single act of devotion. It holds immense potential to foster Islamic unity by dissolving the divisions of nationhood, ethnicity, and sect. In that sacred space, we are reminded of our shared qiblah, shared faith, and shared destiny. Hajj offers a rare platform for dialogue among leaders, scholars, and common pilgrims. It is a space where collective solutions to economic injustice, political fragmentation, and moral decline can be collectively imagined. It strengthens friendships by building people-to-people solidarity and reduces conflicts by reviving the ethos of fraternity, mercy, and justice that defines Islam. Tasnim: Do you believe the Islamic world has fully utilized the immense potential of Hajj in past years? If not, what has been missing? Abdul Hamid:No, the Islamic world has not fully utilized the spiritual and strategic potential of Hajj. For too long, the pilgrimage has been confined to its personal rituals, while its role as a collective spiritual congress of the Ummah remains underdeveloped. Whats missing is intentional coordinationstructured platforms for intergovernmental, civil society, and scholarly dialogue during Hajj. The absence of joint action plans, political consensus, and intellectual exchange has deprived Hajj of its historical role as a vehicle for reform and unity. There is also a lack of integration between the spiritual experience and social responsibilities of Muslims post-Hajj. Tasnim: What practical strategies would you suggest to better harness the Hajj for improving relations among Islamic nations and peoples? Abdul Hamid:First, we need to institutionalize a Hajj Dialogue Summita parallel gathering of scholars, youth, civil society actors, and leaders to discuss the challenges facing the Ummah. Second, we must develop Pilgrim Diplomacy by facilitating structured intercultural exchanges and solidarity circles among pilgrims from various regions and schools of thought. Third, Hajj should be used as a platform to issue joint declarations and resolutions by using the momentum of Hajj to release moral declarations on unity, justice, and peace to guide global Muslim action. Finally, we should create Hajj Legacy Programs to equip pilgrims to act as ambassadors of peace and unity in their communities after returning, turning Hajj into a launchpad for reform movements. Tasnim: How do you think this years Hajj can contribute to supporting the oppressed people of Palestine? What do you believe are the expectations of the people of Gaza from this year's pilgrims? Abdul Hamid:This years Hajj must carry the spirit of resistance and solidarity with Palestine. Pilgrims must raise global awareness through symbolic gestures, coordinated dua, wear unified symbols of support, and advocate for the liberation of Al-Aqsa, which is deeply connected to the Hajjs spiritual geography. The people of Gaza expect pilgrims to remember them not as an act of pity, but through courageous action. They hope for voices to be raised, for leaders to be moved, and for Hajj to not remain silent while their blood is shed. Hajj can be a sacred protest against occupation and injustice. Tasnim: What special initiatives have Islamic countries including yours planned this year to utilize the capacities of Hajj? What is your key advice to pilgrims? Abdul Hamid:While many Islamic countries have focused on logistical improvements and health protocols, there remains a need for spiritual and strategic mobilization. In Malaysia, there are growing calls for Hajj missions to include educational modules on global Muslim issuesespecially on Palestine. My key advice to pilgrims is this: let your Hajj be not just a personal journey of purification, but a renewal of your commitment to the Ummah. Let your ihram be a declaration of solidarity. Let your tears at Arafah include the pain of Gaza, Kashmir, and Uyghur Muslims. You return not just purified, but as a bearer of a sacred responsibility. Tasnim: What potential does Hajj hold for enhancing unity between Shiiteand Sunni Muslims? In your opinion, how can we best benefit from this opportunity? Abdul Hamid:Hajj dissolves all human divisions before the oneness of Allah. In the plain of Arafah and the Tawaf around the Kaaba, no Sunni or Shiitelabel mattersonly that one is Muslim. This is a powerful opportunity to cultivate mutual respect, dismantle prejudice, and emphasize shared beliefs. To benefit, we must encourage open, respectful engagement between scholars and pilgrims of different schools, promote common rituals and spiritual experiences, and reject all sectarian provocations. The Hajj must be a zone of sacred unity, not politicized hostility. Hajj offers one of the most powerful platforms for reconciling differences and strengthening unity between Shiite and Sunni Muslims. When millions of believersregardless of sectstand shoulder to shoulder in ihram, perform the same rites, and call upon the same Lord, it is a profound reminder that our shared faith far outweighs our differences. The potential lies in these three key aspects: Spiritual Common Ground Hajj brings focus to the core tenets of Islam: Tawhid, Prophethood, and the Day of Judgment, which all Muslims uphold. In that sacred space, the emphasis returns to submission to Allahnot sectarian identities. Human Interaction and Fraternity Pilgrims from all backgrounds interact closely. If guided properly, this proximity can dismantle stereotypes and build mutual respect. Human warmth often triumphs where polemics fail. A Symbol of Ummah Unity In a time when the Ummah is deeply fragmented, Hajj visually and spiritually demonstrates the unity that is possibleand commanded by Allah. To benefit from this opportunity, we must: Encourage cross-sect pilgrim dialogues and shared educational sessions during Hajj. Discourage inflammatory rhetoric and promote the ethics of ikhtilaf (respectful disagreement). Establish a Pan-Islamic Pilgrimage Charter promoting inclusion, tolerance, and solidarity among all madhahib. Ultimately, the Hajj can serve as a healing groundnot to erase diversity, but to celebrate it under the banner of Tawhid and mutual compassion. If we approach it with humility and sincerity, Hajj can be the bridge that leads to a united Ummah.
CNA
09-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Thousands rally in Bangladesh seeking ban on former PM's party
DHAKA: Thousands of people rallied on Friday (May 9) outside the residence of Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus, demanding he ban the political party of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Nobel Peace Prize winner Yunus, 84, has led an interim government since Hasina was overthrown by student-led mass protests in August 2024 and fled into exile as crowds stormed her palace. Friday's rally came after the sudden departure of Abdul Hamid, a former leader of Hasina's Awami League party, from Bangladesh early on Thursday. A crowd, mainly made up of young people, had started gathering outside Yunus' residence on Thursday night. Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organiser of the newly formed National Citizen's Party, said the demonstration would continue until their demands were met. "Sheikh Hasina robbed the people of Bangladesh of their democratic rights. She manipulated the system to prevent any real opposition from participating in the election," Kamrul said. "We saw Abdul Hamid leave the country safely. The actions of certain advisers are highly suspicious. The delay in justice appears to be part of a broader plan to bring back the fallen dictator and her party," he added. Hasina remains in self-imposed exile in India and has defied an arrest warrant from Dhaka over charges of crimes against humanity. According to the United Nations, up to 1,400 protesters died in July when Hasina's government launched a brutal crackdown on the opposition, casualties for which she and Hamid are being investigated. At least three police officers responsible for overseeing airport arrivals and departures have been dismissed for negligence, according to officials, after Hamid's departure. While citizens are generally barred from assembling outside the chief adviser's residence, the student demonstrators were allowed through. The government said on Friday it was seriously considering the demand raised by various quarters to ban the Awami League.
New Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Thousands rally in Bangladesh seeking ban on former PM's party
DHAKA: Thousands of people rallied on Friday outside the residence of Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus, demanding he ban the political party of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Nobel Peace Prize winner Yunus, 84, has led an interim government since Hasina was overthrown by student-led mass protests in August 2024 and fled into exile as crowds stormed her palace. Friday's rally came after the sudden departure of Abdul Hamid, a former leader of Hasina's Awami League party, from Bangladesh early Thursday. A crowd, mainly made up of young people, had started gathering outside Yunus' residence on Thursday night. Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organiser of the newly formed National Citizen's Party, said the demonstration would continue until their demands were met. "Sheikh Hasina robbed the people of Bangladesh of their democratic rights. She manipulated the system to prevent any real opposition from participating in the election," Kamrul said. 'We saw Abdul Hamid leave the country safely. The actions of certain advisers are highly suspicious. The delay in justice appears to be part of a broader plan to bring back the fallen dictator and her party,' he added.
India Gazette
08-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Bangladesh's former President Abdul Hamid leaves country
Dhaka [Bangladesh], May 8 (ANI): Bangladesh's former President Abdul Hamid left the country nine months after the Awami League government was toppled in a student uprising. He left the country on a Thai Airways flight at 3:05 am (Local time) last night, a local news portal reported on Thursday. After the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, some of the senior Awami League leaders are in prison, some went abroad and rest are absconding. Many leaders have been charged with various crimes, including murder. Abdul Hamid, the two-term President of Bangladesh, is also facing a murder case. Many Awami League leaders have been arrested at airports, land ports, or border areas while trying to flee abroad. But it is believed that the government has allowed this senior politician to travel abroad. Abdul Hamid's wife and his brother-in-law have also left the country with him. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India after the student-led uprising on August 5 last year. An interim government was formed under the leadership of Nobel Laureate Muhammad eate Muhammad Ynus. Abdul Hamid has not been seen in public since then. 'According to Articles 34 and 102 of the Constitution, no Bangladeshi citizen can be prevented from travelling. Unless there is a specific ban from the court. We have not received any instructions to ban him. There was no request or application from the police to detain or arrest him in any case', online news website, Dhaka Post, reported quoting an airport official. Earlier, Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia returned to Dhaka on Tuesday after undergoing medical treatment in London. She had gone to London on January 8 this year for treatment of various health complications. Thousands of leaders and workers of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) lined both sides of the road from the airport to Khaleda Zia's residence in Gulshan area in Dhaka to welcome her. The leaders and workers were carrying placards with Khaleda Zia's picture, the BNP party flag, and Bangladesh's national flag. The army was deployed to maintain security. Zia's two daughters-in-law, Zubaida Rahman and Sharmila Rahman, accompanied her. She returned home on a special plane sent by Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Zia's son Tarique Rahman has been living in London for the past 17 years due to various cases filed during the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's tenure. He is currently serving as the acting chairman of BNP from abroad. (ANI)
