Hefazat instructs leaders, activists to stay on streets until AL is banned

The Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has called on its leaders, activists, and students to remain on the streets until the Awami League is officially banned and held accountable for the mass killings during last year's July Uprising and the reported killings of the 2013 rally at Shapla Chattar.

In a statement issued today (9 May), Hefazat's Ameer Allama Muhibbullah Babunagari and Secretary General Allama Sajedur Rahman condemned what they termed the "impunity" given to perpetrators of mass killings.

They accused the AL of being a "terrorist organisation" responsible for unlawful violence and alleged atrocities. 

The Hefazat leaders urged their followers to remain on the streets until the party is officially banned and those responsible for past violence are brought to justice.

They also criticised the interim government for a delay in fulfilling the core demand of the July Uprising — banning the Awami League — and warned that a failure to implement justice could lead to a resurgence of fascism.

The leaders further accused the AL of acting as an agent of India and warned that, if allowed to return to power, the party would continue its authoritarian practices. They urged all political forces in the country to unite with public sentiment and take a firm stance on the AL.

In a stern warning to the government, Hefazat said, "Accept the people's demand and declare the AL a terrorist organisation immediately, or take full responsibility if the July uprising fails. History will not forgive."