Hefazat's 9-point demands presented to PM

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has presented a nine-point demand to the Prime Minister, including the enactment of a law with maximum punishment provisions to prevent insults to Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Holy Quran.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid a courtesy call on Hefazat-e-Islam Amir Shah Muhiubullah Babunagari at the Al-Jamiatul Islamia Azizul Ulum Babunagar Madrasa in Fatikchhari, Chattogram, on Sunday, August 9. On this occasion, Hefazat-e-Islam submitted the demands in writing to the Prime Minister.

A reception and discussion session was organised on the madrasa premises to mark the Prime Minister's visit. After the event, Hefazat-e-Islam Joint Secretary General Azizul Haque Islamabadi informed the media about the nine-point demands.

He said, "We have given a letter to the Prime Minister with nine demands. The Prime Minister said, 'We have come to power. We are on the side of Islam.' Hefazat-e-Islam's Amir prayed for him."

The demands, in a letter signed by Hefazat-e-Islam Secretary General Muhammad Sajidur Rahman, include:

Enactment of a law in parliament with maximum punishment provisions to prevent insults to Allah, the Prophet (PBUH), the Holy Quran and the religion of Islam.

No law conflicting with the Quran and Sunnah should be passed in parliament.

Ensure trial of those involved in the Shapla Chattar incident of May 5, 2013, as well as those involved in the anti-Modi movement of 2021 and the killings during July-August 2024.

Implement recognition of Dawra-e-Hadith as equivalent to a Master's degree, and increase opportunities for higher education and employment for Qawmi madrasa students based on this.

In government job circulars, alongside government madrasa degrees, the Dawra-e-Hadith degree from Qawmi madrasas should also be recognised as an educational qualification for religious teachers.

Islamic religious education should be made compulsory for Muslim students from primary to higher secondary level.

Declare the Ahmadiyya community as 'non-Muslim', ban Hizb ut-Tahrir, and stop the alleged 'activities' of domestic and foreign missionaries in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Withdraw 'false' cases filed against scholars during the Awami League government and include scholars in state reconstruction.

Maintain the ban on Indian Maulana Saad Kandhlawi's entry into Bangladesh and not allow his followers to participate in the Bishwa Ijtema in Tongi.