Hefazat threatens to paralyse country over Women’s Reform Commission abolition, other demands

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has threatened to create a countrywide stalemate if their demands, including abolition of the Women's Affairs Reform Commission, remain unmet.

Hefazat's Central Senior Vice President and President of the organisation's Dhaka City unit Junaid Al Habib made the announcement at a protest rally in front of Baitul Mukarram mosque after the Jumma prayer today (2 May).

The other demands of Hefazat include the withdrawal of all the cases against Hefazat leaders and banning the political activities of the Awami League.

Addressing the government, Junaid said, "Dhaka will face stagnation tomorrow [Saturday] if our demands are not met. You will be removed like Hasina, who was removed through a movement. You have time until tomorrow, and fire will engulf the country if no decision comes within this timeframe."

Stating that people from all over the country will join today's rally, Junaid added, "Already 42 buses are ready to bring Hefazat activists from Dinajpur. Around 4,000-4,500 people will arrive in Dhaka from Barishal on launches."

Junaid called upon Hefazat activists to gather at Suhrawardy Udyan with processions after the completion of Fajr prayer today.

Maulana Mohiuddin Rabbani, central nayeb-e-ameer of Hefazat, said they will issue an ultimatum at the rally, and strict measures will be taken if their demands are not met within that time frame.

Maulana Sarwar Kamal Azizi, another central nayeb-e-ameer of Hefazat, said, "Another Shapla Chattar will happen if our demands are not met. Our fight will continue until the anti-Islamic Women's Affairs Reform Commission is cancelled."

Hefazat's Paltan unit organised today's rally where senior leaders of the organisation spoke.

After the rally, a protest procession led by President of Hefazat's Paltan unit Maulana Salahuddin circled around the Paltan area and ended at Bijoynagar intersection.