Hifazat alleges artificial transport crisis

A number of Islamist activists under the banner of Hifazat-e-Islam are set to start their long march to Dhaka on foot.

The activists, with anti-blogger slogans inscribed on their ‘bandanas’ (head bands) and carrying sticks, are gathering at Chittagong’s Jamiatul Falah national mosque.

Though the long-march was expected to begin formally after Friday’s Jummah prayers, many started leaving for Dhaka since Thursday night only. However, there were complaints of inadequate buses on roads until Friday morning.

They said they would walk to Dhaka if they did not find any transport.

The Hifazat-e-Islam is expected to hold a rally in Dhaka’s Motijheel on Saturday. Dhaka police granted them permission with 12 conditions.

The Islamist protesters are pressing for a six-point charter of demands, including punishment of ‘atheist’ bloggers. Allegations against them surfaced that they were working on behalf of the Jamaat-e-Islami.

Meanwhile, 25 socio-cultural-professional organisations have called a 24-hour shutdown from Friday 6:00pm to thwart the Hifazat programme. Left-leaning parties have endorsed the strike.

The Ganajagaran Mancha, whose initiators – the bloggers – are targets of the Hifazat-e-Islam, have also called a transport blockade from Friday 6:00pm to Saturday 4:00pm to resist the long-march programme.

The Mancha has been involved in a protest programme since Feb 5 demanding capital punishment for the war criminals.

On the other hand, the Hifazat-e-Islam has threatened a string of nationwide shutdowns starting Sunday if their anti-long march shutdown is not withdrawn.

“We were preparing to come to Dhaka with up to 5,000 vehicles. But vehicles are now scarce because of the government restrictions,” Hifazat-e-Islam’s Central Joint Secretary General Mainuddin Ruhi told bdnews24.com on Friday morning.

He alleged that such a situation had arisen under ‘directions’ from former Chittagong Mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury, Forest Minister Hassan Mahmud, and Shipping and Inland Water Transport Minister Shahjahan Khan.

“We received news that police and Chhatra League activists are blocking our men in Sitakunda, Mirsarai, Feni, Comilla, Sonargaon and several other areas,” he said.

“If no buses are available, we will start walking.”

However, Chittgong Police Superintendent AKM Hafiz Akhter flatly refuted allegations of blocking the Hifazat activists.

District Transport owners’ group Secretary General Manjurul Alam said they were not shut because of ‘orders’, but because of ‘fears’.

“See, transports are normally closed during strikes. Today (Friday), the shutdown is from evening. It is very risky to bring out vehicles in this situation. This is the reason we could not provide them buses. This is not due to pressure from anyone or any party.”