Hefajat seeks release of leaders

Hefajat-e-Islam yesterday came up with fresh seven-point demand including immediate release of its arrested leaders and activists.

The Qawmi madrasa-based Islamist organisation raised the demand during its "National Olama-Mashaek conference" at the capital's Kazi Bashir auditorium.

The six other demands are withdrawal of all false cases filed against Hefajat men since 2013, passage of blasphemy law in parliament, declaration of Qadiani community as non-Muslim, making examination of religious education compulsory in the education curriculum, keeping a representative of Hayatul Uliya in the National Education Commission and not allowing Maulana Saad of Delhi-based Tabligh Jamaat to attend Bishwa Ijtema in Dhaka.

Speaking at the programme, Hefajat amir Muhibullah Babunagari said due to the oppression and torture on "Islamic" leaders, there is a fear of deterioration of peace in the country.

The Hefajat chief also called upon the government to withdraw all the "false cases" against the Hefajat leaders.

After the conference, an 11-member delegation of Hefajat led by its secretary general Sajidur Rahman called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Gono Bhaban residence in the afternoon and placed their demands.