Hefazat’s 12-point demand feature banning AL, Qadianis
Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has joined calls to ban the Awami League, unveiling a 12-point charter of demands during a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday, May 3.
The groups’s Nayeb-e-Amir Maulana Mahfuzul Haque presented the demands, honouring the martyrs of the July Movement and the 2013 Shapla Chattar massacre, where 84 madrasa students and teachers were killed, and praying for the recovery of the injured.
The demands include:
Abolish the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission’s “anti-Quran” report and form a new commission with religious women’s representatives, prioritizing reforms based on Islamic and local values, not Western ideals.
Reinforce Islamic faith in the constitution, reject pluralism, and halt efforts to promote LGBT and transgender inclusion under “inclusive” slogans.
Expand the tribunal’s capacity to expedite trials for the Shapla Chattar and July massacres, ensuring Sheikh Hasina and her accomplices face justice before national elections.
Declare the Awami League a terrorist group, ban its activities, and ensure trials for its leaders.
Enact strict laws to punish insults to Allah and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), rejecting the Media Reforms Commission’s proposal to remove related legal provisions.
Revoke the bail of Chinmoy Das, accused of inciting the murder of Saiful Islam in Chattogram, and conduct an exemplary trial.
Withdraw false cases filed against scholars, madrasa students, and Islamic youth under Hasina’s regime, and try those who tortured Islamists using the “militant” label.
Protest Israel’s actions in Gaza and persecution of Muslims in India diplomatically, encouraging a boycott of Israeli and Indian products.
Mandate Islamic education at all educational levels in Bangladesh, a 90% Muslim-majority nation.
Reverse the decision to provide a humanitarian corridor to Rakhine, citing geographical security concerns.
Curb foreign missionary activities in Chittagong Hill Tracts, enhance military and state presence, and support da’wah of ulema for social harmony.
Ban Qadianis to protect Muslim beliefs and stop their activities.
Earlier, the group announced nationwide protests on May 23 to demand the abolition of the Women’s Reform Commission and other reforms, alongside plans for a divisional conference within three months to advocate for women’s “fair rights.”
The announcement was made by Secretary General Sajidur Rahman during the organisation’s rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on Saturday, May 3.
Joint Secretary General Azizul Haque Islamabadi read a statement from Hefazat Amir Muhibbullah Babunagari.
The statement hailed the August 5, 2024, uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina, crediting it for restoring “lost freedom” at great sacrifice.
Babunagari urged unity against “aggressive India” and imperialist geopolitical schemes, warning of a “multifaceted crisis” facing Bangladesh.
Islamabadi condemned the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission’s recent report as “anti-Quran” and cautioned the interim government against decisions opposing Islamic principles.
He demanded strict laws to end the dowry system, ensure women’s safety in education and workplaces, and retain legal provisions punishing insults to religion in the Criminal Penal Code and Cyber Security Act.
He also called for harsher penalties for blaspheming Allah or Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The rally, presided over by Babunagari, concluded with prayers.
Speakers included Nayeb-e-Amirs Mahmudur Hasan Qashemi and Ahmed Qashemi, Joint Secretary General Mamunul Haque, and National Citizen Party’s Hasnat Abdullah, all emphasising national unity and resistance to anti-Islamic policies.