Seven Qawmi madrasa-based political parties have decided to work together under the guidance of Hefazat-e-Islam, although their leaders are reluctant to describe the initiative as a political alliance at this stage.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Hefazat Secretary General Sajidur Rahman at Makhjanul Ulum Madrasa in Khilgaon yesterday. Three representatives from each of the seven parties and three Hefazat leaders attended the meeting.
The parties are Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Khelafat Majlis, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Islami Oikya Jote (Razi), Nezame Islam Party and Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon.
Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad told The Daily Star, “The seven like-minded Islamic parties have decided to move forward together for the welfare of the country, its people and Islam. We will work together on programmes, statements and take positions on various issues.”
He said the parties had previously worked under a common platform and now wanted to resume cooperation along similar lines.
“The decision by these seven parties to work together does not mean that parties belonging to other political alliances will have to leave those alliances. No such decision was taken at today’s meeting,” he said.
According to meeting sources, a 21-member liaison committee, comprising three representatives from each of the seven parties, has also been formed.
Jalaluddin Ahmed said the next meeting, scheduled for December 5, would discuss future activities in greater detail.