Strongly reacting to an incident during a government function in Patna, where Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was seen removing the burqa/hijab from the face of a Muslim woman doctor, Maulana Mohammad Riyaz Ahmed Qadri Husami, Khateeb of Masjid Mahmooda, Shastripuram, condemned the act in the strongest terms, calling it highly objectionable, shameful, and completely unacceptable.

In his strongly worded statement, Maulana Mohammad Riyaz Ahmed Qadri Husami said:

“Tampering with or removing the religious attire of any woman, especially a Muslim woman, in public is not only a blatant violation of Islamic teachings but also a direct attack on the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, personal dignity, and fundamental rights provided by the Constitution of India.”

He emphasized that the hijab and burqa are integral to the religious identity, dignity, and personal choice of Muslim women, and respecting them is the responsibility of every individual, particularly those holding constitutional positions. He added that such irresponsible and insensitive conduct is entirely unbecoming of a person occupying the office of Chief Minister.

Maulana further stated:

“This incident is not merely an issue concerning one woman or one community; it is an insult to Muslims across the country, especially Muslim women. Silence on such actions today may turn them into a dangerous precedent tomorrow.”

He firmly demanded that Nitish Kumar issue an immediate and public apology to Muslims, particularly Muslim women, and give a clear assurance that no such incident will be repeated in the future.

In conclusion, Maulana Mohammad Riyaz Ahmed Qadri Husami urged the Government of Bihar and the concerned authorities to take serious cognizance of the incident, so that the religious and personal rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution are safeguarded, and the dignity and honour of every citizen remain protected.