Badruddin Ajmal, the leader of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), found himself embroiled in controversy when he asserted that crime rates were relatively high among Muslims. He recently remarked, “We (Muslims) are No.1 in all crimes like robbery, dacoity, rape, loot (sic). We are also No.1 in going to jail.”
Despite facing criticism from certain quarters, Badruddin Ajmal stood by his assertion regarding elevated crime rates within the Muslim community. On Friday, he reiterated his stance, insisting that he had not made an erroneous statement. He underscored that the propensity for involvement in criminal activities was directly linked to the deficiency in educational opportunities.
AIUDF, under the leadership of the perfumery magnate Badruddin Ajmal, holds considerable influence among Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam. The party boasts 15 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in the 126-member Assam assembly.
Ajmal stated, "I have witnessed a pronounced lack of educational opportunities within the Muslim community on a global scale. I expressed my concerns, driven by the fact that our youth often neglect to pursue higher education, even failing to complete their basic schooling. My intention was to emphasize the urgent necessity for educational advancement."
He stressed the importance of young men and boys maintaining respectful conduct when interacting with girls and women. "For individuals who claim to become sexually aroused by the mere sight of women, I want to remind them that Islamic teachings promote appropriate behavior. In public spaces, including markets, it is essential to avert one's gaze when encountering women. They must bear in mind that they have women within their own families. Reflecting upon their mothers and sisters should deter inappropriate thoughts," noted Badruddin Ajmal.
The Muslim leader recognized that the low literacy rate was a significant contributor to the underdevelopment of the Muslim community and suggested that responsibility should not solely rest on the government but also on the community members themselves. "The problem primarily lies in the lack of education. Education is often held up as the government's sole responsibility, but we should not ignore our failure to produce doctors and engineers from within our minority community. It is disheartening that we cannot meet such demands. The surefire way to address these issues is to boost our literacy rates. Lack of education is the root cause of many societal ills," emphasized Badruddin Ajmal.
Addressing an alumni gathering in Assam's Goalpara district on October 20, Ajmal expressed his concerns about the educational gaps within the community, correlating them with the heightened crime rates among Muslims.
The AIUDF leader remarked, "Crimes like robbery, dacoity, rape, loot – we top the charts in all of them. We are also at the forefront in terms of incarceration. Our youngsters often prioritize indulging in unlawful activities over attending schools and colleges. If you look at those engaged in wrongdoing, you'll find a significant Muslim presence, and that is truly regrettable."
He used this statement as a means to underscore the importance of education and employment for the Muslim youth, noting, "While people are venturing to explore the Moon and the Sun, we find ourselves immersed in discussions about how to land in jail. A visit to a police station will confirm the predominant presence of individuals with Muslim names. Isn't this a lamentable situation?" Ajmal's message aimed to emphasize the significance of education and gainful employment for the Muslim youth.
