The Ameer of the Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Maulana Mamunul Haque, has made a surprise visit to Afghanistan. He arrived in the country's capital Kabul on Wednesday morning with six other clerics. The group said that this visit is not for any political purpose; rather, they have gone to Afghanistan at the official invitation of the 'Emirate of Islam' or the Taliban government.

A press release from the Khilafat Majlis said that the visiting group will meet and exchange views with the Chief Justice, various ministers and high-ranking officials of the Taliban government in Afghanistan.
One of the objectives of their visit is to observe first-hand the criticism that is being made in the Western world, especially regarding women's rights and human rights violations.

Khilafat Majlis Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmed said, “Sometimes there is a misconception. Some people spread the news that women’s rights are being violated in Afghanistan and that women are being confined to their homes. They will verify the truth of the matter on the ground.”

Mamunul Haque and his delegation visited Afghanistan at a time when his announced protest program is going on in Dhaka. Khilafat Majlis held a protest march in the capital on Thursday demanding five points, including the implementation of the July Charter, and is scheduled to be held in divisional cities today.

According to political analysts, there was no precedent for leaders of any political party from Bangladesh to visit Afghanistan. This is the first time such a visit has made headlines.

Although questions have been raised about the party’s character, Khilafat Majlis is claiming that it is basically a “tour of the Ulema Society.” Secretary General Jalaluddin Ahmed said, “In addition to political figures, there are many scholars on the trip who have no direct connection with the party.” He said that earlier in 2001, a group of Ulama community members had visited Afghanistan.
After returning to power in 2021, the Taliban government banned women from studying in universities and ordered private tuition centers not to teach girls. This led to severe criticism in the Western world. However, most countries have not yet officially recognized the Taliban government. Except for Russia, no country in the world has fully recognized the Taliban regime.

Bangladesh does not have an embassy in Afghanistan, but the Afghan embassy in Dhaka is still operational. Meanwhile, this visit by some Bangladeshi scholars, including Mamunul Haque, is raising various questions in political and diplomatic circles.