Hefazat
12 more Hefazat supporters held over Brahmanbaria violence
Twelve more people were arrested in the past 24 hours over the vandalism and arson carried out by Hefazat-e-Islam activists and supporters in Brahmanbaria last month, police said Monday.
The arrests were made from different parts of the district after inspecting video footage of the violence, according to the special branch of district police.
So far, 55 cases have been filed and 310 people arrested over the rampage, the police said.
On March 27, at least five people were killed and around 50 others, including 25 policemen, injured in clashes between the law enforcers and locals during Hefazat's demonstrations at Nandanpur in Sadar upazila.
They had staged the protests against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bangladesh visit.
The next day, during Hefazat's countrywide dawn-to-dusk general strike, against police action on their anti-Modi processions in Dhaka, the organisation's activists in Chattogram and other districts set three buildings on fire, including the land office in Brahmanbaria Sadar upazila.
Also read: Hefazat leader Mamunul Haq finally arrested
They had also attacked a Chattogram-bound train at Talshohor Rail Station in Brahmanbaria town.
Also, the Hefazat supporters vandalised several private and government establishments, including the municipality building, Alauddin Music Academy, and Foirtala Bus Stand in Sadar upazila.
They had also attacked Brahmanbaria Press Club and confined some journalists to the premises.
2 more senior Hefazat leaders arrested from Dhaka
Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested two Dhaka city unit leaders of Hefazat-e-Islam from the city’s Baridhara and Mohammadpur areas on Saturday.
The arrestees are Hefazat-e-Islam Dhaka city unit president Junaid Al Habib and its assistant general secretary Jalal Uddin Ahmed.
Also read: Another Hefazat leader detained
Contacted, Joint Commissioner (DB) of the DMP Mahbub Alam said Junaid Al Habib, also Hefazat’s central joint secretary general, was arrested from a Madrasa of Baridhara just before Iftar on Saturday.
Besides, Hefazat city unit assistant secretary general Jalal Uddin Ahmed, who is also central committee Assistant Secretary General, was arrested from his Mohammadpur residence at around 2:00 pm, the Joint Commissioner (DB) said.
Also read: Another top Hefazat leader arrested
Replying to a question, he said the two Hefazat leaders were arrested in connection with the case filed with Motijheel police station for the mayhem carried out in 2013 and also for the case filed with Paltan police station in March last month in connection with the violence in Baitul Mukkarram Mosque area (during Modi's visit).
On Friday afternoon the DB also arrested another leader of the religious organisation, Jubair Ahmed, from Lalbagh.
Also read: Hefazat leader Azizul Haque Islamabadi held in Chattogram
With the arrest of the two Hefazat leaders, the number of arrests of Hefazat leaders rose to seven by the DB police from the city in recent weeks.
7 more Hefazat supporters held over B’baria mayhem
Seven more people have been arrested in the past 24 hours in connection with the clashes and vandalism by Hefazat-e-Islam supporters in Brahmanbaria last month, police said Saturday.
The arrests were made from different parts of the district, according to the special branch of the district police. So far, 268 people have been arrested over the violence, the police said.
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.
Also read: Land office, 2 other buildings set on fire in Brahmanbaria, Train attacked
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.
Also read: 30 more held over clashes in Brahmanbaria
Also, the Hefazat supporters vandalised several private and government establishments, including the municipality building, 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.
Another Hefazat leader detained
Maulana Jubair Ahmed, vice-president of Hefazat-e-Islam's Dhaka city unit has been detained from his residence in the capital today.
Iftekhairul Islam, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Media & PR Division) confirmed the news to UNB.
He said the arrest was made at around 5pm based on an anonymous tip.
Also read: Another top Hefazat leader arrested
Maulana Jubair was arrested on charges of his involvement in the Shapla Chattar violence on May 5, 2013.
Police sources added that he is also accused in multiple cases for his alleged involvement with the recent violence in protest of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.
Police have now arrested Hefazat central organising secretary Azizul Haque Islamabadi, assistant secretary general Sakhawat Hossein Raji, central committee assistant secretary general Manjurul Islam and assistant-publicity secretary Mufti Sharifullah in cases related to Shapla Chattar violence on May 5, 2013 - although few doubt the drive against the organisation's leadership stems from the opposition they displayed against the Indian prime minister.
Also read: Hefazat leader Azizul Haque Islamabadi held in Chattogram
The courts have also granted law enforcers several days to interrogate them in remand.
The most high profile arrest so far has been the one of Islamabadi. He was arrested from Chittagong on Sunday. The court granted 7 days' remand for him.
24 more held over Brahmanbaria mayhem
Twenty-four more people were arrested in the past 24 hours in connection with the clashes and vandalism by Hefazat-e-Islam activists and supporters in Brahmanbaria last month, police said Friday.
The arrests were made from different parts of the district, according to the special branch of district police.
So far, 54 cases have been filed and 261 people arrested over the violence, the police said.
Also read: 30 more held over clashes in Brahmanbaria
On March 27, at least five people were killed and around 50 others, including 25 policemen, injured in clashes between members of the 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 Bangladesh visit.
The next day, during Hefazat's countrywide dawn-to-dusk general strike, against police action on their anti-Modi processions in Dhaka, the organisation's activists in Chattogram and other districts set three buildings on fire, including the land office in Brahmanbaria Sadar upazila.
Also read: Land office, 2 other buildings set on fire in Brahmanbaria, Train attacked
They had also attacked a Chattogram-bound train at Talshohor Rail Station in Brahmanbaria town.
Also, the Hefazat supporters vandalised several private and government establishments, including the municipality building, Alauddin Music Academy, and Foirtala Bus Stand in Sadar upazila.
They had also attacked Brahmanbaria Press Club and confined some journalists to the premises.
Another top Hefazat leader arrested
Hefazat-e-Islam’s Assistant Publicity Secretary Sharifullah was arrested in Dhaka on Tuesday night.
He was accused in a case filed under the Special Powers Act in 2013, said Azhar Mukul, additional deputy commissioner of Detective Branch (Wari division) of the DMP.
Also read: Hefazat leader Azizul Haque Islamabadi held in Chattogram
On Sunday, Hefazat’s Organising Secretary Azizul Haque Islamabadi was arrested in Chittagong.
The court has put him on a seven-day remand.
Sonargaon resort furore: Mamunul among 600 sued in 3 cases
At least 600 people including Hefazat-e-Islam leader Mamunul Haque were sued in three cases filed over an attack on police and vandalism at Royal Resort in Narayanaganj's Sonargaon on April 3.
Narayanganj Superintendent of Police Md Zayedul Alam said the law enforcement filed two cases and a journalist filed the other.
Also read: Hefazat's Mamunul detained with woman from resort
On April 3, supporters of Hefazat Joint Secretary General Mamunul went on a rampage in Narayanganj and vandalised Royal Resort where he was kept in police custody after locals found him with a woman, who the leader claimed to be his wife.
Mahanagar Hefazat Secretary Ferdausur Rahman on Saturday said Mamunul went to the resort with his second wife where the local Chhatra League and Jubo League leaders confined and harassed him before calling in the police.
Also read: Hefazat activists' show of force frees leader Mamunul from police custody
Later, in the evening, madrasa teachers and students gathered in front of the resort and started chanting slogans demanding the release of Mamunul. At one point they tore down the main gate of the resort and ran riot after entering the property.
As the situation was getting out of control, police released Mamunul to the protesters. Yet they continued the vandalism at the resort until the law enforcement let Mamunul's wife go, too, at around 8pm.
Prepare a list of instigators of terrorism: Quader
Urging the party activists to prepare a list of the instigators of terrorism, anarchy and communal acts, Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Wednesday asked them to deal with Hefazat-e-Islam politically.
Obaidul Quader gave the instruction during a regular briefing of the Awami League at his official residence in the morning.
"Leaders and activists of the Awami League know how to react when they are attacked," he said.
Describing Hefazat-e-Islam as an extremist communal force, Quader said they have crossed the limit of tolerance by continuing violence in different parts of Bangladesh, aiming to destroy the prevailing peace.
Read: Public transport to be suspended from Monday: Quader
Affirming that Sheikh Hasina’s government is committed to protecting the lives and property of people, he warned that those who have carried out or are still carrying out violence across the country will have to face the dire consequences.
Quader said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has revived the lost democracy in Bangladesh by uniting people.
He said Awami League is still behaving responsibly against the destructive politics of the reactionary force as it is in the government.
“The people of Bangladesh are religious … they do not support any bigotry. Don’t play with fire. If you play with fire, it’ll burn your hands too,” the Awami League leader warned.
Referring to the attacks on public and private establishments in different parts of the country, arson attacks on land offices, Quader said legal action would be taken and no one would be spared.
The nation will no longer tolerate any disregard to the Liberation War and its spirit and the humiliation of Bangabandhu.
Awami League workers will respond to those who have attacked Bangabandhu's pictures and sculptures as well, he added.
Read: Govt to enforce 7-day lockdown from Monday: Quader
Quader called upon all the patriotic people to get united under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina saying that the evil forces must be resisted and defeated.
Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, said the information of resuming long-haul bus services in a day or two is not correct.
He has made it clear that some people are spreading propaganda and making misleading remarks about it.
Will take action against those involved in vandalism: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said punitive legal measures will be taken against those involved in destructive activities using the name of Islam."People won’t accept any anti-Islamic activities in the name of religion. Defamation of Islam for a few people won’t be tolerated. I’ll tell the people of the country to have patience, everyone has to step forward with patience," she said while delivering her winding up speech of the 12th session of the 11th Parliament.Talking about recent activities, vandalism and mayhem of Hefazat-e-Islam, she said that they are destroying the holy religion completely through their destructive and anti-social activities."Many people lost their lives due to their activities. Even on March 26 many people lost their lives [and] for these, they (Hefazat) are solely responsible," she said.Sheikh Hasina alleged that BNP and Jamaat are there behind Hefazat. "Hefazat is not alone, BNP and Jamaat are with them," she said.
Also read: Perform duties properly to enforce Corona directives: PM
‘Which religion do they believe in?’
Talking about the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Independence, she said that many foreign guests came to join the that occasion, but Hefazat declared that they would not allow Narendra Modi to come."Why? This is my question. Today Hefazat is declaring their programmes. Don’t they go to Deoband (India) for higher studies on Islam. After such incident how they will go to Deoband (India) for higher studies?" she said.Showing some pictures of March 26 Hefazat incidents, she said that a rumour was spread by Hefazat that one person was killed in Baitul Mukarram, then from March 26-31, they unleashed destructive activities across the country.BNP-Jamaat's statement in favour of Hefazat on March 27 and 28 were part of anti-state conspiracy. On March 28, Hefazat called countrywide hartal. "On that day, they ransacked and torched AL office, houses of AL activists and various transports," she said.The Prime Minister asked which religion they believe in as they burnt the Holy Quran.
‘Law will take own course’
She asked the Hefazat leaders and activists why they set afire AL and BCL offices and their party leaders houses. "They’re playing with fire, fire can spread from one house to another house, don’t they take this into consideration?" she said adding that people will not tolerate these.Regarding the utmost patience of police and other law enforcement agencies during the mayhem, she said that the government showed its highest patience to avert bigger confrontation as it wanted to celebrate the Golden Jubilee programme properly."Law will take its own course," she said.
Hefazat activists' show of force frees leader Mamunul from police custody
Supporters of Hefazat-e-Islam’s Joint Secretary General Mamunul Haque went on the rampage in Narayanganj and vandalised a resort in Sonargaon where he was detained with a woman he claimed as his second wife.
Mahanagar Hefazat’s secretary Ferdausur Rahman said Mamunul went to the resort with his second wife where the local Chatra League and Jubo League leaders confined and harassed him, before calling in the police on Saturday.
The woman detained with him is his second wife as claimed by Mamunul Haque, said Ferdausur Rahman.
Narayanganj’s Hefazat’s leaders are looking into the matter visiting the scene, he said.
Also read: Hefazat's Mamunul detained with woman from resort
Later, in the evening madrasa teachers and students gathered in front of the resort and started chanting slogans for freeing Mamunul Haque.
At one point they broke down the main gate of the resort and started a massive rampage entering the property.
As the situation was getting out of hand, police released Mamunul Haque to the demonstrating madrasa folks.
Yet they continued the vandalism at the resort until police released Mamunul Hauque’s wife too around 8 pm.
Also read: Hathazari Hefazat-police clash: 2,500 accused in 7 cases
The resort authority claimed they incurred a crore worth of losses in the destruction.
Mamunul Hauque calmed down the agitated demonstrators by declaring legal actions against the involved AL and Jubo League leaders and left the scene with his wife.
The saga of destruction continued yet after as the protestors blocked Dhaka-Chittagong highway vandalized and set fire to local AL office and Jubo League Leader’s vehicle.
Narayanganj Police Superintendent Md Jayedul Haque said, police reached the scene being informed of locals confining Maulana Mamunul Haque with a woman in the room of that resort.
Also read: Hefazat attack instigators won’t be spread: IGP
As Mamunul Haque claimed the woman was his wife, police safely evacuated him from the resort and kept them under custody.
Sonargaon police station’s inspector (Investigation), Tobidur Rahman at evening confirmed Mamunul Haque being safe in Police’s custody. .
Meanwhile Maulana Mamunul Haque threatened to file case against the journalists who were trying to take photograph and video footage of him.