Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Hefajat-e Islam has called a daylong shutdown for Monday protesting “obstructions” to people who tried to come to Dhaka to join a Hefajat rally at Motijheel on Saturday.
The organisation, while announcing fresh agitation program, threatened the government of blockading Dhaka on May 5 if its 13-point demand including stern action against what they called atheist bloggers is not met by April 30.
They also urged the prime minister to remain alert against the “fake Alems”.
Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi, ameer of Hefajat, is leading the rally which began at 11:00am.
The leaders are addressing thousands of activists and supporters of Hefajat from a dais set up near the Shapla Chattar.
Dhaka’s business hub Motijheel turned into a human sea as thousands of people poured into the area to join the rally of radical Islamist.
The first session of the rally started through recitation from the Holy Quran and continued more than three hours.
The second session of the rally began just after the Johr prayers around 2:45pm.
Noor Hossain Kashemi, Dhaka city ameer and joint convenor of Hefajat, and Junaid Babunagari, secretary general of the organisation, is present at the makeshift podium.
Hefajat has received permission for the rally to voice their 13-point demand including punishment of some bloggers for “defaming” Islam and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
The Shapla Chattar gathering spilled onto adjoining areas including Jatiya Press Club Ittefaq intersection, Arambagh, Dainik Bangla intersection and Fakirerpool areas.
BBN/AD/SI-06Apr13-5:23 pm (BST)
