Siddiqullah Chowdhury

Criticism Chowdhury was criticized for inciting violence, as he led the protest against the Waqf Bill. He even threatened to bring West Bengal to standstill by mobilizing thousands of protesters. The protest led to massive damage to public property, injuring many and even killing few.

During the protest flags of various Islamic countries were carried and waved, while the protesters removed the saffron flag from a vehicle.

Views

Indian Muslims Chowdhury is of the opinion that Muslims should not learn patriotism from other citizens of the country or from the government.

Government of Bangladesh Chowdhury is critical of the Sheikh Hasina led government of Bangladesh. He said that assaulting pious citizens was a part of the Bangladesh government's conspiracy.

Triple Talaq In August 2016, the Supreme Court of India banned the controversial practice of triple talaq (oral instant divorce). Reacting to it, Chowdhury said that the practice was an integral part of Islam. He termed the verdict of supreme court as "unconstitutional" and criticised it for interfering in Islamic laws. He also said that Muslims would continue to follow the sharia (Islamic laws). Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party national secretary Rahul Sinha demanded his arrest as according to him, Chowdhury refused to abide by the laws of the country.

Controversies On 17 May 2017, Ebela reported that Chowdhury was using a red beacon on his car to avoid traffic congestion after Government of India banned its use. He defended himself by contrasting his usage of the beacon with that of Noor ur Rahman Barkati, imam of Tipu Sultan Mosque, who had previously been spotted using it. Chowdhury said that unlike Barkati, his beacon was given to him by the state government and he had not received any notice from that authority to discontinue its use.

Regarding Barkati, Chowdhury commented that if he is to continue to live in India, he must follow Indian rules. He also stated his belief that Barkati would obtain a political position in Pakistan. Consequently, Barkati was sacked from his post.