Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh today (29 April) protested the government’s decision to allow a humanitarian corridor in Rakhine state of Myanmar to facilitate aid, although the interim government has categorically denied even discussing the matter.
Referring to the interim government, Hefazat’s Joint Secretary General Mamunul Haque said, “Imperialist forces are trying to use Bangladesh to implement their agenda. As a patriotic force, we do not support this in any way. We strongly condemn this decision.”
Speaking at a press conference at Jamia Islamia Makhzanul Uloom Madrasa in Dhaka’s Khilgaon, he also noted growing concern among devout Muslims over the proposed Women’s Law Reform Commission, stating that it had caused unrest within the community.
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The press conference was organised to inform the public about preparations for Hefazat’s upcoming mass gathering on 3 May at Suhrawardy Udyan.
Earlier today, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said, “We want to make it categorically clear that the government has not discussed the so-called ‘humanitarian corridor’ with the UN or any other entity.”
Govt says ‘humanitarian corridor’ to Rakhine not discussed with UN yet, will consult stakeholders in due time
Concerns arose after Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, several days ago said the government had agreed in principle, subject to conditions, to the UN proposal to establish the corridor through Bangladesh to send aid to Rakhine.
In response, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said the government should have consulted with all political parties before agreeing in principle to the corridor proposal.
“We do not want to become another Gaza…We do not want to get involved in another war. We do not want anyone to come here and create more trouble for us. We are already in a serious problem with the Rohingyas. So, we [BNP] think there should have been a discussion in this regard before deciding on the passage,” he said.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami also protested the reported decision taken by the government.
