Hefazat demands release of activists, condemns Israel’s war on Gaza

Hefazat-e-Islam has issued an ultimatum to the government demanding the release of all jailed leaders and activists of Hefazat by November 30 and the immediate withdrawal of all “false cases” against filed them, while also denouncing Israel’s recent rampage in the Gaza Strip.

The group’s leaders voiced their demand during the National Ulama Mashaikh conference of Hefazat-e-Islam held at the Institute of Engineers auditorium in Dhaka on Wednesday. 

The leaders stressed the necessity of releasing imprisoned Islamic scholars before the national election, stating that the elections would not be allowed if they remained detained.

Hefazat Secretary General Sajedur Rahman said: “Prominent Hefazat Islam leaders, including Joint Secretary General Maulana Mamunul Haque, Finance Secretary Mufti Munir Hossain Kasemi, Mufti Fakhrul Islam and Maulana Rafiqul Islam Madani, have been unjustly imprisoned for nearly three years on fabricated charges. We strongly urge the government to release all imprisoned leaders and activists by November 30, as declared during today's (Wednesday) conference.”

He further outlined the plan, adding: “Over the next three months, Hefazat-e-Islam will establish district, upazila and metropolitan committees throughout the country.”

Amir Maulana Mahfuzul Haque, a Hefazat representative, said: “Hefazat is not merely a political organization; it is an entity that influences politics. Preserving Islam is essential for safeguarding the freedom of this nation. Hefazat will oppose anyone engaging in anti-Islamic activities, and the 13 principles of Hefazat must be enforced.”

Hefazat Amir Muhibullah Babunagri condemned the Israeli attacks on Gaza, adding: “The illegal state of Israel, driven by Zionist motives, is brutally oppressing the Muslim population in Palestine. We are deeply distressed by the Israeli government's assault on a hospital in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. We vehemently denounce this inhumane attack and extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims' families.

“With the direct backing of Western powers, Israel is perpetrating one of the most horrific genocides in history against the people of Gaza. Hence, we urgently call for an immediate halt to the Israeli aggression against innocent Palestinians.”