United News of Bangladesh

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.