There is no opportunity for unity or any such dialogue with any political party or organization other than Hefazet Islam, a faith-based organization. Structurally, the commitment to the apolitical position of Hefazat should be maintained in all respects.
Allama Mufti Khalil Ahmad Qasemi, Director General of Jamia Ahlia Darul Uloom Hathajari Madrasah, the country's largest Islamic educational institution, said these things in a statement on Monday (October 21).
He said, 'At the same time, Hefazat Islam will not deviate from the ideological position of the founders of the organization including Deobandi predecessor Haqqani Ulamae Keram. Hefazat Islam will work through a systematic program to keep the freedom, sovereignty and human rights of the country free from threats, while maintaining its organizational identity and non-political position, in the protection of faith and creed, inshallah.
In the statement, he described the context of the establishment of Hefazat Islam and said, “When the atheist circle started a multi-disciplinary conspiracy against Islam with the spread of internet-based communication system and the free flow of information, and the capitalist conspiracy began to impose various un-Islamic decisions on the people, in such a situation, Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi (R.H.) on January 19, 2010, Hefazet Islam Bangladesh was formed at Ummul Madaris Darul Uloom Hathajari Madrasah. At that time, the founder Murubbi Alemra made a firm commitment to run this organization as a non-political, social, spiritual and self-correcting organization at all times.
He also said, 'At the time of establishment, the top Murubbi scholars also promised that this organization will be managed based on the principles and ideals of Akabire Ulamaye Deoband with the aim of upholding the rules of Islam and obeying Allah Almighty at the national and social level. At the same time, work will be done to make the Muslims of the country aware of the protection of faith-Aqeedah, Muslim civilization-culture, rules and symbols of Islam. Besides, peaceful and orderly movement on religious issues will continue.'
“Hefazat Islam program will not be conducted for any political purpose. But if Islam is targeted under the guise of political issues, Hefazate Islam will take all believers-Muslims and Prophet-loving, Islam-loving people along with them and build resistance through a systematic program.'
In the statement, Mufti Khalil Ahmad Qasemi also said, 'Hefazat Islam raised historic 13-point demands in 2013 in the interest of safeguarding faith and belief and keeping the country's peace and order, social harmony and freedom intact. The support and trust of the common people of the country, irrespective of party affiliation, has been proven time and again in various programs including Long March and Dhaka blockade. Therefore, I call upon the interim government to implement the 13-point demand for custody.'
Mufti Khalil Ahmad said, 'Amir Ahmad Shafi, the founder of Hefazat Islam, always said that Hefazat Islam will never get involved in politics, will not sit in the power structure. Custody shall not be used as a stepping stone to power. However, no one can stay in power by disregarding the principles and ideals of Hefazat's faith and belief.'
It is the duty of every leader and worker of the organization to strictly follow the philosophy of the founder Amir and not make any concessions. There is no opportunity for any leader or activist to deviate from these principles of Hefazat by using the organization's banner and designation. However, custody does not prevent anyone from taking part in legitimate activities and political programs of their choice outside the ranks, banners and programs of custody.' Said the senior vice president of Hefajat.
