Hefajat wants dialogue with govt to resolve ongoing ‘sculpture issue’

Hefajat-e-Islam wants a dialogue with the government to resolve the ongoing problem centring installation of the sculpture of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The Qawmi-based madrasa organisation came up with the remark at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity saying the Alem community was trying to hold a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to this end.

"We are appealing to the government to resolve the issue through discussion. We are also trying to hold a discussion with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina so that the ongoing problem can be resolved in an amicable way," said Mahfuzul Haque, a top Hefajat leader and also secretary general of the Madrasha Education Board (Befaq).

Asked when the meeting with the premier can be held, Mahfuzul said the date was yet to be fixed.

"Communication regarding the meeting is going on. We are optimistic of holding the meeting in a short time," he added.

Maulana Nurul Islam, nayeb-e-ameer of Hefajat-e Islam, read out a written statement at the press conference.

In it, he demanded the withdrawal of the sedition cases against Hefajat Ameer Junayed Babunagari, its Joint Secretary General Mamunul Haque and Nayeb-e-Ameer of Islami Andolon Bangladesh Syed Faizul Karim.

On December 7, two sedition cases were filed against the trio with Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court.

In the written statement, Hefajat leader Nurul Islam called for the government to control those speaking against Islam, otherwise the country's religious-minded people will be forced to take to the streets to stop the "evil forces."

He also urged the government to shun the path of spreading idolism going against the belief and education of Islam.

Pointing to the recent vandalism of an under-construction sculpture of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Kushtia, he said Hefajat wants punishment of those involved in the incident through following proper investigation.

He, however, cast doubt on the pictures released of the suspects in the incident.

Mamunul Haque and other leaders of the Islamist organisation were also present at the press conference.

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