PM seeks continued support as Hefazat presents nine-point demands

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has held a meeting with Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh Amir Allama Shah Muhiubullah Babunagari and other top leaders of the organisation in Fatikchhari, Chattogram. During the meeting, he called on Hefazat to remain alongside BNP in the future as they had been before the elections.

The meeting took place at the Al-Jamiatul Islamia Azizul Ulum Babunagar Madrasa in Fatikchhari on Sunday afternoon.

When the Prime Minister arrived at the madrasa, Hefazat-e-Islam Amir Allama Shah Muhiubullah Babunagari welcomed him. The Prime Minister then embraced him and sought his prayers. Hefazat presented a nine-point written demand to the Prime Minister during the meeting.

Hefazat-e-Islam Joint Secretary General Azizul Haque Islamabadi told the media that the Prime Minister told them to remain with BNP as they had been before the elections. In response, he assured the Prime Minister of their support while urging him to remain steadfast for Islam and the country.

The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal, State Minister for Energy Anindya Islam Amit, and lawmakers Sarwar Alam and Gias Kader Chowdhury.

After the meeting, the Prime Minister addressed the madrasa premises. He said working together with Hefazat leaders before the elections had helped protect the country from danger. He expressed his desire to continue working with them in the future.

The Prime Minister said, "During the last election, we worked together and freed the country from danger." He also alleged that the country's wealth had been looted and sent abroad during the previous government's tenure.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the current economic situation. He said the Iran-US conflict in the Middle East had put pressure on the economy, including the oil and energy sector. He also blamed the previous government's "unplanned" activities for the power and gas crisis.

Regarding the gas crisis, the Prime Minister said the situation would improve within the next five to seven days. He said the government is also working to resolve the power problem.

The Prime Minister also said attempts have been made to create confusion and disorder over the past few days. He called on everyone to remain united as they had been before the elections in the coming days as well. He also assured that Hefazat's demands would be implemented gradually.

The Prime Minister said he seeks everyone's prayers for establishing justice and doing good for the people of the country.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the government's relationship with Hefazat is not political; rather, the relationship that exists between them will continue. He sought the prayers of Hefazat leaders for the country's peace, order and development.

After the speeches, the Hefazat-e-Islam Amir prayed for the Prime Minister and the country's well-being.

After the Fatikchhari meeting, the Prime Minister visited the graves of former Hefazat-e-Islam amirs Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi and Allama Junayed Babunagari in Hathazari.