Our target to make an Islamic Bangladesh: Hefazat-e-Islam.

Kolkata | Aug 22, 2024::  Hefazat-e-Islam is pursuing a singular goal: the establishment of an Islamic State in Bangladesh, eschewing the democratic principles born from the country’s Liberation War. Naib-e-Amir Moinuddin Rabbani, a prominent figure in the radical Islamist organization, unequivocally stated that Hefazat-e-Islam’s vision is not aligned with the country’s founding ideals. Instead, he asserted that stability in Bangladesh can only be achieved through the implementation of Sharia law. According to Rabbani, this is the desire of the country’s Muslim population.

In an exclusive interview with an Indian media outlet ‘Divya Bhaskar Marathi’, Naib-e-Amir Moinuddin Rabbani of Hefazat-e-Islam stated, ‘If Bangladesh’s laws are based on Islam and the country is governed according to Islamic principles, it will prosper.’ Following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, the majority of Bangladesh’s Muslim population aspires to transform the country into an Islamic Republic of Bangladesh. Rabbani emphasized that the establishment of Sharia rule would ensure genuine justice for Muslims, as well as non-Muslims. He highlighted that Hefazat-e-Islam has been working towards this objective both within Bangladesh and internationally, as a global religious organization.

Despite the recent political shift in Bangladesh, the destruction of Hindu idols continues unabated, perpetuating a disturbing trend. Moreover, statues of revered figures such as Bangabandhu Mujibur Rahman, liberation war heroes, and notable icons like Sidhu-Kanu, a prominent leader of the Santal rebellion, have been vandalized in various locations, including Dhaka and Rajshahi. Alarmingly, the  prominent veteran leader has openly endorsed this destructive behavior, condoning the deliberate desecration of cultural and historical symbols in Bangladesh.

The Islamic leader emphasized, ‘Our Shariah strictly forbids the creation and display of idols.’ Consequently, following the fall of Hasina’s government, numerous idols have been destroyed. We demand that the remaining idols in Bangladesh be demolished immediately. No statues should be allowed in this country.’

Moinuddin Rabbani, supporting Jamaat-e-Islam, stated, ‘The Awami government’s failure to ban Jamaat has led to their suffering. Sheikh Hasina’s regime oppressed Jamaat, violating their constitutional rights through force. We have consistently opposed the banning of Jamaat and will not participate in elections. We urge the Awami League to apologize for their mistake. We strive for unity in this country.’

However, Hefazat’s Naib-e-Amir clarified, ‘We do not recognize Ahmadis as Muslims; they are non-Muslims, Qadianis, equivalent to Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. This is because Ahmadis claim Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as a prophet after Prophet Muhammad, contradicting our beliefs. We demand that the government declare Ahmadis as non-Muslims in Bangladesh.

When asked about the fate of infidels under Islamic rule in Bangladesh, he responded unequivocally, ‘We will deal with them as dictated by Shariah law, nothing more, nothing less.’

Regarding women’s attire and cultural practices, he emphasized, ‘Shariah mandates wearing hijab, and that’s what we want. We aim to implement Islamic principles in Bangladesh, rejecting any cultural or musical practices that contradict Islamic teachings. We will put a stop to them.’

In essence, he reaffirmed Hefazat-e-Islam’s commitment to enforcing 100% Sharia law in Bangladesh, governing aspects of life, including women’s dress code and cultural expressions, in accordance with Islamic principles.

Moinuddin Rabbani also claimed, ‘We have made efforts to prevent attacks on temples, and only one or two incidents have occurred.’ He then addressed Indian Hindus, saying, ‘Just as we have protected Hindu temples in Bangladesh, I urge Indian Hindus to reciprocate by safeguarding Muslim places of worship and religious practices in India.

During the recent anti-Quota and anti-Hasina protests, Hefazat-e-Islam and Jamaat-e-Islami reportedly played a significant role in influencing the student movement, which led to violent attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. The resulting unrest saw over 100 temples vandalized by fanatical Muslim mobs, highlighting the vulnerability of minority communities in the country.

Although Professor Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government following Hasina’s removal, assured the protection of minority communities’ faith and lives, he has yet to comment on Hefazat-e-Islam’s declaration to establish Bangladesh as an Islamic State. His silence on this matter remains notable to the vulnerable Hindu minorities in the country.

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