Thousands of supporters of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh gathered at Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan today (May 3) for a grand rally, pressing a four-point demand including the dissolution of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission.

The rally began at 9am, chaired by the party’s Ameer, Allama Muhibullah Babunagri, with senior leaders and Islamic scholars addressing the crowd.

Participants started arriving from various parts of the country following Fazr prayers, with large numbers assembling at the venue well before the official start. 

Organisers had urged attendees from outside the capital to use three designated entry points.

Law enforcement agencies said special security measures had been put in place to ensure order during the event.

In his address, central committee member Mahmud bin Hossain said Hefazat activists were prepared to “make the utmost sacrifice” to oppose any activity perceived as against the Holy Quran. 

He demanded immediate cancellation of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission’s report.

The party’s four-point demand includes:

1.    Dissolution of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission and cancellation of its report.

2.    Restoration of "full trust and faith in Allah" in the constitution, rejecting pluralism.

3.    Withdrawal of all cases against Hefazat leaders and activists, and prosecution of alleged killings, including the 2013 incident at Shapla Chattar.

4.    Government intervention to stop what it described as "Muslim genocide and oppression" in Palestine and India.

SMS/