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| Bangladesh |
| Indecision eats Hefazat-e-Islam and other Islamist parties |
| 2014-01-25 |
| [Dhaka Tribune] Hefazat-e-Islam is now wavering over declaring a fresh agitation programme to realise its 13-point demands when it could not stage any large demonstration in the last six months. Now they are considering new programmes which can connect the ordinary Mohammedans and avoid government harassment, said leaders of Hefazat and some other Islamist parties. For that, religious conferences including waz mahfils (sermons) have been their initial choice. Following the crackdown of law enforcers on the Hefazat supporters on May 5 last year, the Hathazari madrasa-based "non-political organization" called rallies in Dhaka more than three times. But the government did not allow them to gather in the capital. They could not even hold rallies in Chittagong areas. After May 5, Hefazat leaders and activists are facing many cases on charges of vandalism, arson and killing of police and general people. Most of the leaders and activists are now hiding to avoid arrest. Hefazat leaders said they were not clear about the possible plan of action at this moment. Sources said many of the Hefazat leaders -- who are also top leaders of the 18-party allies -- are communicating with the government high-ups for the release of its detained members and withdrawal of the cases against them. They are also pursuing the government to hold a programme in the capital. The Islamist parties, most of which are involved with Hefazat and the BNP-led 18-party alliance, are also uncertain about resuming the anti-government movement. Islami Oikya Jot (IOJ), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish and Jamaat-e-Ulama-e-Islam are part of the 18-party alliance. Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon and Khelafat-e-Islami Bangladesh are not part of any alliance. Hefazat Secretary General Junaid Babunagari, who is also the vice-chairman of IOJ, yesterday told with Dhaka Tribune: "Now we are discontinuing our programmes. But it is a temporary situation. We will come up with new programmes soon." Muhammad Zafrullah Khan, an adviser of the Hefazat, yesterday told the Dhaka Tribune that for the government's undemocratic activities, the country's political and also social groups, except for the ruling party, were unable to hold programmes. "For these reasons, now we have to rethink our programme strategies." Also secretary general of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, Zafarullah said Hefazat and the Islamist parties would be organising "religious gatherings" on special days. The chairman of a faction of 18-party ally IOJ, Abdul Latif Nezami, also a Hefazat adviser, yesterday told the Dhaka Tribune that the Hefazat had to temporarily stop its programmes because of the government's harassing its leaders and supporters. |
| Posted by:Fred |