Hefazat to Stage Dhaka Rally Saturday with Four-Point Demand

Hefazat-e-Islam Plans Grand Rally in Dhaka to Press Four-Point Demand Including Abolition of Women’s Reform Commission

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh is set to hold a grand rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on Saturday to push forward its four-point demand, with key points including the abolition of the Women’s Reform Commission. In preparation, the group’s leaders and activists staged a protest rally and procession on Friday following Jummah prayers at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.

Speaking at the protest, Joint Secretary General Maulana Junaid Al Habib denounced the Women’s Reform Commission and its report as “anti-Islamic, anti-Quran, and anti-Muslim,” and demanded the complete dismantling of the commission. He also warned the interim government of consequences if pending cases against Hefazat leaders from 2013 are not withdrawn, threatening renewed agitation.

Assistant Organizing Secretary Mufti Jaber Kashemi clarified that the rally is not anti-women, accusing political groups of attempting to pit Islam against women. He emphasized that Islam honors and safeguards women’s rights, accusing opponents of using the commission to promote gender-based discrimination.

Other speakers included prominent Hefazat leaders such as Maulana Mohiuddin Rabbani, Maulana Mir Idris, Maulana Mufti Azharul Islam, and others representing various regional chapters.

Hefazat’s four-point demands are:

1. Abolition of the Women’s Reform Commission and its report.

2. Replacing the constitutional principle of pluralism with full faith and trust in Almighty Allah.

3. Withdrawal of all cases against Hefazat leaders and investigation into alleged mass killings, including the 2013 Shapla Chattar incident.

4. Government action to stop what they describe as Muslim genocide and persecution in Palestine and India.