Hefazat calls for unity, patience

Hefazat-e-Islam yesterday urged all parties involved in the July uprising to set aside internal disputes, exercise patience, and unite to resist conspiracies against the state and help move the country forward.

"Many mothers have lost their children. Their tears have not dried. The blood of the martyrs is still fresh. It is not right for us to engage in a power struggle," he said.

"You cannot let your emotions and grievances fade the dreams of 18 crore people," said Hefazat Joint Secretary General Mamunul Haque during a protest programme. He mentioned BNP, Jamaat, student leaders, and stakeholders of the interim government.

Over a thousand Hefazat leaders and activists staged a protest in front of Baitul Mukarram Mosque after Juma prayers, demanding the dissolution of the Women's Affairs Reform Commission and cancellation of its report, which they claimed contained recommendations against the Quran.

Mamunul said they would not allow any anti-Islamic proposals and would soon launch a movement to ensure that women receive their rightful share of inheritance.

He also urged the government to announce a clear roadmap for the next general election within a reasonable timeframe and ensure visible progress in the trial of the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her cabinet members.

"Professor Yunus is currently in power and, inshallah, will remain so until necessary reforms are completed and a general election is held within a reasonable timeframe. I hope he will not entertain, let alone implement, any improper recommendations from the Women's Affairs Reform Commission," he added.

Other Hefazat leaders demanded the immediate withdrawal of all cases filed against their leaders and activists during the previous regime.

Hefazat Secretary General Sajedur Rahman said, "A section of women have tried to brand us as misogynistic, but we are not. We want the just rights of women as described in Islam."

"We are not against women; we want to ensure their rights," he added.