Fatikchhari:Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad stated that Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh continues its movement to defend the country's faith and national interests, opposing the fascist regime, despite being a non-political organization.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the movement is led by Hefazat-e-Islam Amir Allama Shah Mohammad Muhibbullah Babunagari along with prominent Islamic scholars. The Home Minister made these remarks at the closing session of the 104th annual Islamic conference at Babunagar Madrasa.
Salahuddin highlighted the lengthy struggle for Bangladesh's independence, stating it took 23 years to achieve freedom and an additional 16 to 17 years to liberate the people from a fascist regime. He mentioned that during this period, many Islamic scholars and madrasa students were martyred, with numerous cases of enforced disappearances, killings, and torture.
Citing United Nations figures, the Home Minister noted that around 1,400 people were killed during the July-August mass uprising alone. Over the past 16 to 17 years, about 3,000 people faced enforced disappearances, and nearly 7,000 were killed or tortured, with hundreds of thousands facing persecution through physical attacks and politically motivated cases.
The Home Minister criticized the Awami League, asserting that the people would no longer allow its political activities, describing its rule as oppressive and autocratic. He also accused fascist forces of attempting to create unrest in the garment sector and criticized groups using Islam for political purposes without commitment to Islamic governance.
He affirmed the government's belief in Islamic values and its aim to build an inclusive Bangladesh on nationalist and Islamic principles. Salahuddin also pledged to incorporate Islamic values into the Constitution, restoring faith and trust in Almighty Allah in its preamble.
Salahuddin urged for constructive criticism of the government and emphasized the importance of supporting the government without compromising the people's interests. He reiterated the government's commitment to economic development, increased exports, employment generation, and power production expansion.
The conference, presided over by Allama Shah Mohammad Muhibbullah Babunagari, was attended by several dignitaries including State Minister for Religious Affairs Shamim Kaiser Lincoln and local lawmakers.