A massive Islamic rally attended by more than one hundred thousand people in Noakhali has called on the government to officially ban Hizbut Tawhid, describing it as an “anti-faith extremist organization.” Speakers also demanded the closure of the group’s publications and websites, the freezing of its bank accounts, and immediate legal action against its activities.
The rally was held on Saturday (August 1) at the Noakhali District School ground under the supervision of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, jointly organized by Jamiyatul Madarisil Qawmiya Noakhali-Lakshmipur and the Committee for the Prevention of Anti-Islamic Activities.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari, Central Ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, alleged that Hizbut Tawhid was operating under the guise of social service while misleading thousands of Muslims in matters of faith. He claimed the organization’s activities were harming religious harmony, undermining national stability, and posing a threat to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty. He urged the government to declare the organization banned without delay.
The two sessions of the rally were presided over by Maulana Siddiqur Rahman, President of Jamiyatul Madarisil Qawmiya Noakhali-Lakshmipur, and Maulana Nizam Uddin, Ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh’s Noakhali district unit. The event was jointly moderated by Mufti Muinuddin Toiyabpuri and Maulana Mohiuddin.
Among those who addressed the rally were Allama Khalil Ahmad Quraishi, Director General of Jamia Ahliya Darul Uloom Hathazari; Allama Abdul Hamid Madhupuri, Ameer of the Khatme Nabuwat Protection Committee; Mufti Arshad Rahmani, Director General of Islamic Research Center Bashundhara; Allama Salahuddin Nanupuri, Muhtamim of Jamea Obaidia Nanupur; Allama Mufti Mustaqunnabi Qasemi, Convener of the rally implementation committee; Shaykh Sajidur Rahman, Secretary General of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh; Mufti Syed Mohammad Faizul Karim, Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh; Maulana Azizullah Nawab, Maulana Siddiq Ahmad Noman, and Maulana Nurul Islam, among others.
The rally was attended in solidarity by Noakhali-4 Member of Parliament Md. Shahjahan, Noakhali Zila Parishad Administrator Harunur Rashid Azad, business leader Md. Ikram Ullah Dipti, along with leaders of various political parties, business organizations, professional bodies, and social organizations.
The rally presented several demands to the government, including:
- An immediate ban on Hizbut Tawhid.
- Closure of all books, publications, newspapers, magazines, and websites operated by the organization.
- A neutral investigation into its alleged activities and the freezing of its bank accounts if found involved in activities against the country’s independence and sovereignty.
- Withdrawal of cases allegedly filed by Hizbut Tawhid against ordinary Muslims across the country.
To press home these demands, the organizers announced a nationwide campaign that includes a signature drive involving Islamic scholars and the public, submission of memorandums to Deputy Commissioners and Upazila Nirbahi Officers across the country, and a series of seminars, religious gatherings, and discussion meetings until December 31 to raise awareness about what they described as the true nature of Hizbut Tawhid.
