'Hefajat men' attack khatib in Ctg

The khatib (a person who gives religious sermons at mosques) of Jamiatul Falah Mosque in Chittagong was attacked allegedly by Hefajat-e Islam activists yesterday after he delivered munajat (concluding prayers) following Juma prayers.
Protesting the attack, Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat activists and students of Jamiah Ahmadia Sunnia Madrasa tried to put up roadblocks in Muradpur and Bibir Hat areas. However, police persuaded them to leave, said witnesses.
Demanding arrest and exemplary punishment of the attackers, the Ahle Sunnat leaders organised a press conference at Chittagong Press Club (CPC), declaring to stage a protest procession today from the CPC at 3:00pm.
They also organised a protest rally at Cheragi Pahar Intersection and formed a human chain before CPC.
The victim, Maulana Jalal Uddin Al Quaderi, is the presidium members of the Ahle Sunnat and principal of the madrasa. Witnesses said Hefajat had organised a rally in a field adjacent to the mosque and its activists were attending Juma prayers in the mosque.
The Ahle Sunnat Member Secretary Mosaheb Uddin Bokhtiar said Hefajat activists pelted the Khatib with brickbats from all sides.
Denying Hefajat's involvement, Hefajat-e Islam Organising Secretary Azizul Haque Islamabadi said Hefajat activists helped take the khatib to safety. “The khatib made objectionable comments on Hefajat-e Islam and then devotees attacked,” he claimed.