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Rana Plaza collapse and Hefazat movement
Hefazat-e-Islam chief Allama Shafi @ Huzur was a student of Darul Ulum Madrassa run by Deobandi organization Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Hind, UP, India. This madrassa was established in 1919. Maulana Madani was a staunch supporter of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent movement. The Deobandis were keen to ensure that India remained a secular country after independence and Indian Constitution was framed accordingly. They also opposed creation of Pakistan on the basis of Two Nation theory. Secularism propounded by the Deobandis did not clash with Islam in any way.
Muslim population in Bangladesh is 14 crore, whereas India is a home to 24 croreMuslims. Indian Muslims have made tremendous progress and are living a dignified life.
After receiving education from Deoband, Allama Shafi has been successfully running the Darul Ulum Hathazari madrassa on the pattern of Deobandi madrassa. Huzur’s guru Ahmad Madani used to regularly visit Hathazari madrassa. Madani is held in high esteem in India for his secularism. After his death in 2006, Indian President, Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi sent condolence messages paying him rich tributes.
Will respected Huzur clarify if 13-point demand of Hefazat-e-Islam, of which he is the head, conform to the progressive education he received at Deoband madrassa.
Muslims are being killed in many countries in the world, particularly in Israel and Myanmar. Why is Hefazat silent on this issue? Islam is the religion of millions in the world and it is not restricted to Bangladesh alone. So ‘hefazat’ (protection) cannot remain confined to Bangladesh. It has to be done at international level. It is strange
that Hefazat should need Jamaat’s help for protecting Islam. Is the present movement launched by Hefazat part of a conspiracy to capture state power with Jamaat’s help?
Instead of demanding trial of Jamaat leaders and war criminals of 1971, the Hefazatis are demanding death to the bloggers and free thinkers of Shahbag whose only demand is to bring the enemies of independence and anti-liberation elements to justice.
The Hefazatis did not extend helping hand to the Rana Plaza victims at Savar. Now the time has come for the government to probe into the role of Hefazat leaders in 1971.
