Hefazat-e Islam chief Shah Ahmad Shafi claimed that propaganda against him and his organisation were rampant in the media and urged everyone not to be misled by those.
His remarks came on Sunday while addressing the ‘Shokrana Mahfil’ or thanksgiving rally to commemorate the government’s recognition of the highest certification offered by Qawmi madrasas as equivalent to postgraduate degrees.
The rally at the capital’s Suhrawardy Udyan was organised by the Al-Haiatul Ulya Lil-Jamiatil Qawmia Bangladesh, the organisation representing the six Qawmi education boards in the country, was led by the its chairman, Shah Ahmad Shafi. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was the chief guest.
Reading out a written speech, Shafi said that the rise of information technology has also brought in social ills.
“It has created rift among Muslims. Propaganda against me and Hefazat-e Islam is rampant. I request not to believe and get misled by the negative propaganda against on electronic media and the social media.”
Shafi said that he has no political involvement. “I or the Hefazat-e Islam has no affiliation with any political platform or parties.”
He said that the government’s recognition of Qawmi madrasa education has boosted the social status of the students of these institutions.
“I draw the attention of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has attended the Shokrana Mahfil, your father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has contributed significantly for the welfare of Islam and Muslims in the country. Hundreds of thousands of Qawmi madrasa students are grateful as your administration has recognised their educational degree,” said the Hefazat chief.
He said the prime minister’s contribution would be ‘written in gold’ on the pages of history.