Embattled Hefazat-e-Islam chief Junayed Babunagari has announced the dissolution of the organisation's central committee. Speaking in a video message from Chattogram's Hathazari Madrasa, Hefazat's spiritual headquarters, Babunagari said: "Considering the overall situation of the country, the central committee has been dissolved following the advice of some of its key members." The video was posted on Babunagari's (unverified ) Facebook page around 11pm on Sunday night. It quickly spread through various pages affiliated with the conservative Islamic movement, and has met with no objection. However, the Hefazat amir said the organisation would again be active through an interim committee convened for the purpose. The short video message lasted less than 90 seconds, and Babunagari, who rose to the post following the death of long-time leader  Allema Ahmed Shafi last September, could be heard being prompted by someone off camera throughout. Nineteen top Hefazat leaders have been arrested so far over the protests and violence orchestrated by the organisation's supporters and activists across the country against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bangladesh visit. At least 77 cases have been filed against Hefazat leaders and activists from across the country over clashes and vandalism. More than 69,000 people have been accused in the incidents. Babungari has announced the dissolution of the Qawmi madrasa-based organisation's central committee when its leaders, activists and supporters are being arrested in different places of the country including Dhaka every day. Earlier in the day, the government-recognised board Al-Hayatul Ulaya Lil-Jami'atil Qawmia said students and teachers of Qawmi madrasas will remain out of political activities. The board under which students sit for Dawra-e-Hadith – Qawmi madrasas' highest level of the exam – made the decision at a meeting in the capital's Jatrabari. On April 19, Babungari asked for the unconditional release of all "Ulema-Mashaikh" and Hefazat leaders, including the party's Joint Secretary General Mamunul Haque and Organising Secretary Azizul Haque Islamabadi in another video message. The Hefazat chief said they had no programme either at Hathazari or at Brahmanbaria against Modi's visit on March 26. Although there is no proof that Hefazat has any links to political parties, the organisation's leaders; students and Islamic scholars are being arrested indiscriminately, Babunagari said. "What kind of oppression is this? A country cannot be run in this way," he added. "Hefazat does not bring any political party to power or force anyone to step down. We aim to establish the agenda of Muhammad (PBUH)," he said. Although Hefazat emerged as a non-political organisation in 2010, it turned into a political one after the death of Ahmad Shafi. Gradually, leaders of different political parties joined the Hefazat committee.

Amir of Hefazat-e-Islam Junaid Babunagari has demanded exemplary punishment for the OC of Hathazari Police Station for shooting dead madrasa students on March 26. Hefazat-e-Islam's Amir made the demand at a protest rally at Hathazari's Zilla Parishad Market premises after Friday prayers. The protest rally was called as part of Hefazat's central program. Junaid Babungari addressed the rally as the chief guest. He said, "We want exemplary punishment for Hathazari Police Station OC Rafiqul Islam. He cannot stay as OC." "We pray for Bangabandhu and Bangladesh. We are not against the government. Our main enemies are atheists," he added. Also read: Hathazari Hefazat-police clash: 2,500 accused in 7 cases Police closed the Hathazari-Khagrachhari road from 1pm today during the protest rally by Hefazat. The law enforcers took up position with barbed wire barricade in front of Hathazari Kachari Road. Vehicles were stuck on both sides of the road. Many were seen walking to reach their destinations. After the rally ended at around 3.15 pm, the traffic became normal. Meanwhile, as part of the central program, the leaders and activists of Mahanagar Hefazat staged a protest at the Andarkillah Shahi Jame Mosque premises in the city after the Friday prayers. Huge number of police were also deployed in the area during this time. Also read: An uneasy calm at Hathazari after Friday’s mayhem Earlier, last Friday, four people were killed and atleast 15 others were injuref in clashes between Hefazot activists and police at Hathazari in Chattogram district. Hefazot activists attacked the Hathazari thana compound and land office, forcing the law enforcers to fire teargas shells and rubber bullets in self defence.

A Dhaka court on Wednesday asked the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to submit a report on February 3, after investing a sedition case filed against Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh chief Junaid Babunagari over his anti-sculpture comments.

The sculpture will be completed. Many Muslim majority countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Iran and Turkey and even Pakistan have sculptures. They have no issue against this art form. Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said this on Monday at the secretariat. Asked about

Two cases have been filed against three people, including Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh chief Junaid Babunagari for their remarks opposing the setting up of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s sculptures.

Junaid Babunagari on Sunday took the helm of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh.