Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has held a protest rally against alleged violence against Muslims in West Bengal, India, and a recent trade agreement with the United States, which the group termed detrimental to Bangladesh’s national interests.
The programme was held on Friday after Jumma prayers at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka, presided over by the party’s Senior Vice-President Maulana Abdul Rob Yusuf.
Speakers at the rally alleged attacks, harassment and human rights violations against Muslims in West Bengal and criticised India’s BJP government over what they described as communal repression.
They also expressed concern over Bangladesh’s recent trade agreement with the United States, calling it contrary to national interest.
Party Secretary General Maulana Manzurul Islam Afendi said an “unequal trade agreement” was signed with the United States without informing the public ahead of elections.
He said the agreement could force Bangladesh to import military equipment and other goods at high prices, which would undermine the country’s economic independence and national interest.
“No agreement of this kind is acceptable for a sovereign country. Any decision imposed without public opinion will not be accepted,” he said.
Afendi also demanded that details of the agreement be made public, warning of tougher programmes if it was not disclosed.
Referring to the situation in West Bengal, he described alleged violence against Muslims as “concerning” and urged India’s BJP government to maintain communal harmony.
Hefazat Joint Organisational Secretary Mufti Nasir Khan claimed that homes, women and children of Muslims were being attacked in West Bengal, describing the incidents as “crimes against humanity.”
He also called the US trade deal a “subordinate agreement” and demanded full disclosure of its contents.
“People of this country do not accept subordination to America. The terms of the agreement must be made public in national interest. If the public does not accept it, the deal must be withdrawn,” he said.
Speakers at the rally urged the government to take cautious decisions to protect national sovereignty and public interest.
They also called for public unity against alleged persecution of Muslims worldwide and actions they described as contrary to national interests.
The rally was addressed by several leaders including Hefazat assistant secretary general Maulana Zainul Abedin, Maulana Rashed Ilyas, and Mufti Imranul Bari Siraji.
The programme ended with a protest procession that marched through different roads of the capital.
