Prime Minister Tareque Rahman Seeks Continued Alliance With Hefazat-e-Islam Leadership During Fatikchhari Visit
Photo Collected
Prime Minister Tareque Rahman held a high-level meeting with senior leaders of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, including Amir Allama Shah Muhibullah Babunagari, on Sunday in Fatikchhari, Chittagong. During the meeting at Al-Jamiyatul Islamia Azizul Ulum Babunagar Madrasa, the Prime Minister formally urged the influential Islamist organization to maintain the political alliance it held with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the lead-up to the recent national elections.
The Prime Minister arrived in Chittagong following an official visit to Matarbari in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, and a subsequent relief distribution program in Banshkhali. After landing by helicopter at Pelagazi Dighi field in Fatikchhari, he traveled by road to the madrasa, where he was greeted by large crowds. Upon arrival, the Prime Minister met with Allama Shah Muhibullah Babunagari to seek prayers for the nation and his government.
Hefazat-e-Islam Joint Secretary General Azizul Haque Islamabadi stated that the organization presented a nine-point charter of demands to the Prime Minister during the discussions. According to Islamabadi, the Prime Minister requested that the group continue the collaboration they established during the election period. In response, Islamabadi pledged the group’s support, provided that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to the nation and Islamic values.
Addressing the gathering at the madrasa premises, Prime Minister Tareque Rahman emphasized the need for unity to counter the remnants of the previous “fascist” regime. He acknowledged the economic pressures currently facing the country, citing global geopolitical tensions, including conflict in the Middle East, as factors impacting the domestic energy sector. The Prime Minister assured the public that the ongoing gas crisis would be resolved within the next five to seven days and blamed the previous administration’s lack of planning for current electricity shortages.
The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to addressing the demands raised by the organization. “We worked together before the election to save the country from danger, and I wish for us to remain together in the coming days,” he said. He further sought the support of the religious leadership to establish justice and stability across the country.
The meeting was attended by key government officials, including Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salauddin Ahmed, State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal, State Minister for Power and Energy Anindya Islam Amit, and members of parliament Sarwar Alam and Gias Kader Chowdhury.
Home Minister Salauddin Ahmed emphasized that the relationship between the government and the organization transcends mere politics, describing the Prime Minister as a deeply religious individual committed to maintaining strong ties with the group.
The visit concluded with a prayer session led by Allama Shah Muhibullah Babunagari for the welfare of the country. Before departing the region, the Prime Minister visited the graves of former Hefazat leaders Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi and Allama Junaid Babunagari in Hathazari to pay his respects.
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