Awami League General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam has warned of tough action against the leaders and activists of Hefajat-e Islam if they do not leave the capital by Sunday evening.
He came up with the comment as activists of Hefajat and Islami Chhatra Shibir, student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, clashed with police in Paltan Sunday afternoon shortly before the beginning of Hefajat’s rally in Motijheel, leaving at least one dead.
“The government has requested them (Hefajat) to leave Dhaka after holding their rally peacefully, else the government will do whatever necessary,” said Ashraf, also the minister for LGRD and cooperatives.
“When any political party or group calls for a peaceful gathering, a democratic government cannot resist them. But if that gathering turns violent, then the government must take tough actions,” he added.
He was addressing a press briefing at the Awami League president’s Dhanmondi office.
The AL leader also said many of the 13 demands placed by the Hefajat already exist in the constitution.
The Awami League leader criticised the radical Islamist group for discouraging women in professional works.
Source: The Daily Star
