The first half of the 19th century witnessed a movement known as Faraizi Movement in East Bengal. The founder of this movement was Haji Shariatullah. Haji Shariatullah was born in the district of Faridpur in 1768. He became the master of various subjects at an early age and made a deep impression upon the minds of men as a great scholar.
The condition of the Bengali Muslims in the subcontinent was very miserable. The British Policy of disturb and repressions towards the Muslims rendered them economically and educationally depressed, and the oppression of the zamindars made their lives unbearable.
They had also gone far away from the paths of true religion. Being influenced by the Hindus, they were sunk in various superstitions. Haji Shariatullah was deeply moved at the prevailing condition of the Muslims of Bengal.