Imam Association Calls for Action Against Remarks on Shah Rukh Khan

The All India Imam Association's President, Maulana Sajid Rashidi, has called for action against Devkinandan Thakur following his controversial remarks about Shah Rukh Khan's inclusion of a Bangladeshi player in the KKR team. Rashidi emphasized the importance of sports and cinema transcending borders and condemned the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh while also highlighting the need to address violence against Muslims in India. Thakur's comments have sparked discussions about the treatment of minorities in both countries, raising questions about the responsibilities of public figures in times of crisis.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 2, 2026, 12:32 IST

Demand for Action Against Devkinandan Thakur

Maulana Sajid Rashidi, the President of the All India Imam Association, has urged authorities to take action against Devkinandan Thakur for his comments regarding Shah Rukh Khan's decision to include Bangladesh player Mustafizur Rahman in his co-owned Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team. Rashidi highlighted that sports and cinema know no boundaries and commended both Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan for their philanthropic efforts. He stated, "Shah Rukh Khan acquired a player, and there are no borders in sports and films... Both Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan are among the most charitable actors... The government should act against Devkinandan Thakur."

Comments on Violence in Bangladesh

Regarding the unrest in Bangladesh, Rashidi expressed, "We condemn the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, but we must also address the targeted violence against Muslims in our own country... Muslims may be silent now, but what if they decide to respond to these attacks?"

Devkinandan Thakur's Criticism of Shah Rukh Khan

Thakur's criticism of Shah Rukh Khan followed his remarks about the inclusion of a Bangladeshi player in the IPL team. He made pointed comments about the Bollywood star and the KKR management. In a statement, Thakur claimed that Hindus in Bangladesh are suffering severe atrocities, stating, "Hindus are being brutally murdered, their homes are set ablaze, and their women are being assaulted. How can someone, especially a team owner, be so indifferent as to include a player from that country?"

Thakur's Background Remarks

Thakur also referenced Shah Rukh Khan's rise to fame, saying, "This country made you a hero and gave you the power to own a cricket team. What were you before? You earned a meager income from a TV serial." He questioned how the Hindu community's support was being reciprocated by Khan.

Clarification of Intent

Thakur clarified that his comments were not motivated by personal grievances, stating, "I have never met Shah Rukh Khan. I only know him from posters. I do not watch films that corrupt moral values. I am a Hindu leader, and Hindus are being killed. How can you bring a Bangladeshi cricketer into your team?"

Recent Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh

The situation regarding the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh has become increasingly concerning. Recently, Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker, was killed by a mob over alleged blasphemy, with his body being hanged and burned on December 18, 2025. Additionally, another Hindu youth, Amrit Mondal, was lynched in Rajbari's Pangsha sub-district over extortion allegations, prompting widespread protests demanding action against such violence.