Hefazat
B’baria mayhem: 7 more Hefazat men held
Seven more people have been arrested in the past 24 hours in connection with last month's mayhem by Hefazat-e-Islam supporters in Brahmanbaria, police said Saturday.
The arrests were made from different parts of the district after identifying the accused from video footage and images taken during the violence, the special branch of the district police said.
So far, 55 cases have been filed and 353 people arrested over the rampage, the police said.
Also read: 10 more Hefazat men held over Brahmanbaria violence
On March 27, at least five people were killed and around 50 others, including 25 cops, injured in clashes between members of law enforcement agencies and locals during Hefazat’s demonstrations at Nandanpur in Sadar upazila.They had staged the protests against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh.
The next day, during Hefazat’s countrywide dawn-to-dusk hartal protesting police action on their anti-Modi processions in Dhaka, Chattogram and other districts, activists set fire to three buildings, including the land office in Brahmanbaria Sadar upazila.
They had also attacked a Chattogram-bound train at Talshohor Rail Station in Brahmanbaria town.
Besides, the Hefazat supporters also vandalised several private and government establishments, including Zila Parishad building, municipality building, Police Lines, Industrial School, land office, Alauddin Music Academy, and Foirtala Bus Stand in Sadar upazila.
The supporters had also attacked Brahmanbaria Press Club and confined some journalists to the premises.
Govt has link with Hefazat, alleges BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday alleged that it is the government, not BNP, that has a link with Hefazat-e-Islam.
“They (govt) have established a reign of terror in the country. Several thousand people have been arrested in the last few days since March 26. Our party workers in Chattogram, Brahmanbaria and Dhaka can’t stay at home at night,” he said.
Speaking at a virtual discussion, the BNP leader said, “Our leaders and workers were arrested by conducting block raids in Keraniganj. If we protest against it, they say we’ve a link with Hefazat. But the fact is that it’s you who has the link with Hefazat. You’ve made an agreement with them (Hefazat) by sitting at a meeting at the house of the Prime Minister.”
Also read: BNP involved in Hefazat violence: Obaidul Quader
Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) arranged the virtual discussion on the coronavirus situation.
Fakhrul also said the Prime Minister has clearly said her party has given Hefazat huge money and did many things for the Quami madrasas.
“So, you (AL) have taken the responsibility of Hefazat and you’ve to fulfil the responsibility. You’re deceiving people in carrying out that responsibility. You’ve lost all the confidence of people, and you’ve now started torturing them. You’ve turned this country into a police state,” he observed.
The BNP leader alleged that the government is not giving people and political parties any scope to express their own views.
Also read: BNP demands release of arrested religious leaders
Though the government talks about democracy, he said, it is unwilling to allow anyone to protest or speak against it. “You also don’t want anyone to speak against injustice and identify your mistakes. So, you can no longer be a democratic government.”
Fakhrul alleged the government has failed to tackle the coronavirus situation and ensure vaccine doses for the country’s people. “We don't know whether those who received the first dose of vaccine would get the second dose as there’s a speculation that India is not going to export the vaccine.”
He also criticised the government for depending on a single country for the vaccine instead of collecting it from different sources and countries.
Another Hefazat leader arrested in city
Police on Thursday arrested another leader of Hefazat-e-Islam from the city’s Bangshal area on Thursday evening.
The arrestee is Mawlana Ihteshamul Haque Sathi, assistant office secretary of Hefazat-e-Islam Dhaka city unit.
Iftekhairul Islam, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Media & PR Division) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said Ihteshamul Haque was arrested around 5:30 pm.
Also Read: 2 more top Hefazat leaders held
Earlier in the morning members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested Khaled Syfullah Ayubi, assistant secretary general of Hefazat-e-Islam's central unit, from Singair upazila of Manikganj district.
On Wednesday, three top Hefazat-e-Islam leaders were arrested from Dhaka's Mohammadpur and Kafrul areas.
They were Mawlana Khurshid Alam Kasemi, nayeb-e-ameer of Khilafat Majlish and vice-president of Hefazat-e-Islam, Maulana Ataullah Amin, assistant general secretary of Hefazat's Dhaka city unit and joint secretary general of Bangladesh Khilafat Majlish, and Mufti Sharafat Hossain, joint general secretary of Khilafat Majlish.
Also Read: Hefazat leader Qurban Ali Kasemi arrested in Dhaka
On Tuesday, Mawlana Qurban Ali Kasemi, vice-president of Hefazat-e-Islam and joint secretary general of Khilafat Majlish, was also arrested from Dhaka's Basabo.
On April 18, Hefazat's joint secretary general Mamunul Haq was arrested from a Mohammadpur madrasa.
Many top Hefazat leaders have been arrested recently following vandalism and arson carried out by the organisation's supporters across the country against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bangladesh visit last month.
Also read: Hefazat leader Mamunul Haq finally arrested
Other arrested leaders include Hefazat's Dhaka city unit president Junaid Al-Habib, vice-president Maulana Jubair Ahmed; assistant general secretary Jalaluddin Ahmed, assistant publicity secretary Sharifullah and organising secretary Azizul Haque Islamabadi.
2 more top Hefazat leaders held
Two more top Hefazat-e-Islam leaders were arrested from Dhaka's Mohammadpur on Wednesday.
Mawlana Khurshid Alam Kasemi, nayeb-e-ameer of Khilafat Majlish and vice-president of Hefazat-e-Islam, was arrested in the evening.
Maulana Ataullah Amin, assistant general secretary of Hefazat's Dhaka city unit and joint secretary general of Bangladesh Khilafat Majlish, was held in the early hours of the day.
Also read: Another top Hefazat leader held in city
Also, Mufti Sharafat Hossain, joint general secretary of Khilafat Majlish, was arrested from Kafrul on the same day at 5pm.
Iftekharul Islam, additional deputy commissioner (media) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests.
Also read: Hefazat leader Qurban Ali Kasemi arrested in Dhaka
On Tuesday, Mawlana Qurban Ali Kasemi, vice-president of Hefazat-e-Islam and joint secretary general of Khilafat Majlish, was also arrested from Dhaka's Basabo.
On April 18, Hefazat's Joint Secretary General Mamunul Haq was arrested from a Mohammadpur madrasa.
Also read: Hefazat leader Mamunul Haq finally arrested
Many top Hefazat leaders have been arrested recently following vandalism and arson carried out by the organisation's supporters across the country against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bangladesh visit last month.
Other arrested leaders include Hefazat's Dhaka city unit President Junaid Al-Habib, Vice-President Maulana Jubair Ahmed; Assistant General Secretary Jalaluddin Ahmed, Assistant Publicity Secretary Sharifullah and Organising Secretary Azizul Haque Islamabadi.
Another top Hefazat leader held in city
Members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) arrested Maulana Ataullah Amin, assistant general secretary of Hefazat’s Dhaka Metropolitan Unit and joint secretary general of Bangladesh Khilafat Majlish, from the city’s Mohammadpur area early Wednesday.
According to Rab headquarters, the elite force members arrested Amin from a madrasha around 12:30 am.
He was arrested in connection with a case filed with Paltan Police Station.
Detectives arrested Mawlana Qurban Ali Kasemi, Vice-President of Hefazat-e-Islam and Joint Secretary General of Khilafat Majlish, from Dhaka's Basabo area on Tuesday.
Also read: Another Hefazat leader detained
Earlier on April 18, Hefazat's Joint Secretary General Mamunul Haq was arrested from a madrasah in Mohammadpur area.
Some other senior Hefazat leaders were arresed in recent time after Hefazat’s activists acts of violence at different parts of the country protesting against the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi marking the celebration of golden jubilee of the country’s independence last month.
Also read: Hefazat leader Azizul Haque Islamabadi held in Chattogram
Other arrested leaders include Hefazat’s Dhaka city unit president Junaid Al-Habib, assistant general secretary Jalaluddin Ahmed, its Dhaka City unit vice-president Maulana Jubair Ahmed, Assistant Publicity Secretary Sharifullah and organising secretary Azizul Haque Islamabadi.
8 jailed in Sylhet for inciting violence over Mamunul's arrest
Eight people have been jailed for inciting anarchy and violence among general mass over the arrest of Hefazat-e-Islam Joint Secretary General Mamunul Haque in Zakiganj of Sylhet
The arrestees are: Sahab Uddin, 30, Zakaria, 32, Manzur Ahmed, 48, Shah Mortuza Ali Raju, 40, Zillur Rahman, 50, Humayun Azad, 45, Nurul Haque Khan, 47 and Kamil Ahmed, 22.
All of them are activists of BNP, Jamaat or Hefazat.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Zakiganj Police Station Abul Qasim confirmed the news to UNB.
Also read: Hefazat leader Mamunul Haq finally arrested
He said, "The arrests were made on Monday night following a case filed against 17 named and several unnamed accused under the Special Powers Act."
"Operations are currently underway to identify and arrest the others involved,” he added.
According to police and local sources, a group of people, mainly activists and leaders of Hefazat, BNP and Jamaat brought out a procession protesting Mamunul’s arrest in Shahgali area of Zakiganj at around 10pm on Monday.
Earlier on April 18, Joint Secretary General of Hefajat-e-Islam, Mamunul Haque was arrested from a madrasa in Dhaka's Mohammadpur area.
Also read: Mamunul put on 7-day remand in vandalism case
He was arrested in connection with a vandalism case filed against him with Mohammadpur Police Station.
The much controversial Hefazat leader was produced before the court the following day where the court placed him on a 7-day remand.
BNP involved in Hefazat violence: Obaidul Quader
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader has said that everyone knows today that BNP is directly and indirectly involved in Hefazat violence.
He said that the recent violence in Hefazat-e-Islam was not only due to its patronage but also to the BNP.
Obaidul Quader made these remarks in an exchange of views with officials of Rajshahi Road Zone, BRTC, BRTA this morning.
He joined the meeting virtually from his official residence.
Mentioning that no one was arrested for any party or Alem Ulama, the General Secretary of Awami League said that those who were directly involved in the violence, attacked and set fire to the infrastructure, were arrested after watching the video.
Also read: Hefazat violence in Brahmanbaria: 60 held, two more cases filed
Obaidul Quader, in response to the BNP leaders saying that the government is isolated from the people, said that the BNP said this out of remorse for its continuous failure for the last thirteen years.
Mentioning that the BNP has been calling for a movement for more than a decade, Obaidul Quader said that their failure to organise a movement, and also their shameless collapse in national and local elections and by-elections proves who is isolated from the people.
He said that the party which has been following the undemocratic path since its birth has today become the peddler of democracy and is giving advice to the country and the nation.
Mentioning yes-no vote without ballot box and curfew at night, Obaidul Quader said BNP's democracy means voterless election on February 15, by-election in Magura, Dhaka-10 constituency and preparation of 13 million fake voters.
Also read: AL victim of political plots: Obaidul Quader
Recalling Sheikh Hasina's struggle for democracy, Obaidul Quader said that the present government is very sincere in overcoming obstacles and institutionalizing democracy.
Minister for Road Transport and Bridges Obaidul Quader directed the concerned authorities to make BRTA acceptable to the customers and said that although the harassment in this organization has decreased as compared to the past, there are complaints in some areas and they should be stopped.
He also instructed the concerned to take forward the construction work before the monsoon.
Hefazat leader Qurban Ali Kasemi arrested in Dhaka
Mawlana Qurban Ali Kasemi, Vice-President of Hefazat-e-Islam and Joint Secretary General of Khilafat Majlish, was arrested from Dhaka's Basabo area on Tuesday.
Members of Detective Branch (DB) arrested the Islamist leaders at 5:30pm, said Iftekharul Islam, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).
Also read: Hefazat amir demands release of arrested leaders
Earlier on April 18, Hefazat's Joint Secretary General Mamunul Haq was arrested from a madrasah in Mohammadpur area.
More arrests of Hefazat’s senior leaders were made in recent time after Hefazat supporters' acts of violence at different parts of the country protesting against the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi marking the celebration of golden jubilee of the country’s independence last month.
Also read: Hefazat leader Mamunul Haq finally arrested
Other arrested leaders include Hefazat’s Dhaka city unit president Junaid Al-Habib, assistant general secretary Jalaluddin Ahmed, its Dhaka City unit vice-president Maulana Jubair Ahmed, Assistant Publicity Secretary Sharifullah and organising secretary Azizul Haque Islamabadi.
7 more Hefazat men held over B’baria mayhem
Police have apprehended seven more people in connection with last month's mayhem by Hefazat-e-Islam supporters in Brahmanbaria, taking the total number of arrests to 317.
The arrests were made from different parts of the district after identifying the accused from video footage and images taken during the violence, police said.
So far, 55 cases have been filed and 414 accused identified in connection with the mayhem.
Also read: Hefazat leader Mamunul Haq finally arrested
On March 27, at least five people were killed and around 50 others, including 25 cops, injured in clashes between members of law enforcement agencies and locals during Hefazat’s demonstrations at Nandanpur in Sadar upazila.They had staged the protests against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh.
Thr next day, during Hefazat’s countrywide dawn-to-dusk hartal protesting police action on their anti-Modi processions in Dhaka, Chattogram and other districts, activists set fire to three buildings, including the land office in Brahmanbaria Sadar upazila.
They had also attacked a Chattogram-bound train at Talshohor Rail Station in Brahmanbaria town.
Also read: Hefazat violence in Brahmanbaria: 60 held, two more cases filed
Besides, the Hefazat supporters also vandalised several private and government establishments, including Zila Parishad building, municipality building, Police Lines, Industrial School, land office, Alauddin Music Academy, and Foirtala Bus Stand in Sadar upazila.
The supporters had also attacked Brahmanbaria Press Club and confined some journalists to the premises.
Also read: 12 more Hefazat supporters held over Brahmanbaria violence
Hefazat amir demands release of arrested leaders
Hefazat-e-Islam Amir Junayed Babunagari on Monday demanded the release of their arrested leaders via a statement on social media.
In the 20-minute long video he asked for unconditional release of all Ulema-Masayek and Hefazat leaders, including the party's joint secretary general Mamunul Haque and organising secretary Azizul Haque Islamabadi.
He said some mishaps happened on 26 March but Hefazat-e-Islam had no event at Hathazari or Brahmanbaria that day - even he was not present in Hathazari.
The Hefazat chief asked the government to stop filing false cases against the leaders and to stop harassing and arresting them.
Also read: 12 more Hefazat supporters held over Brahmanbaria violence
Although there is no proof that Hefazat-e-Islam has any links to any political parties, propaganda to that effect is being spread, he said.
"What kind of oppression is this? A country cannot be run in this way," he said.
Babunagari said Hefazat leaders are being shown arrested under false cases filed in 2013.
Also read: Hefazat leader Mamunul Haq finally arrested
Hefazat's aim is not to take any political party to power or to force anyone to step down from power. Their sole aim is to establish the agenda of Muhammad (PBUH), he said.
"We don't want any anarchy or militancy," Babunagari further said.