Dhaka: Hifazat-e-Islam, the largest Islamic organization in Bangladesh, is increasingly emerging as a key player in the nation’s religious and political discourse. Established in 2010 by Shah Ahmed Safi, the organization has gained prominence through its advocacy for implementing Islamic laws, including Sharia, and its strong opposition to secular policies.
The organization’s Vice President, Muhiuddin Rabbani, a graduate of Deoband in India, shared Hifazat-e-Islam’s vision in an exclusive interview. He emphasized that their goal is to establish an Islamic state in Bangladesh, a nation where Muslims form the majority. Rabbani claims that an Islamic system would bring justice to the people and ensure the protection of Islam and its teachings. According to him, “If the people of our country come under the rule of Islam and the rule of Islam is established, then justice will prevail.”
Bangladesh, which became an independent secular nation after separating from Pakistan in 1971, is now facing increasing pressure from groups like Hifazat-e-Islam, which seek to reshape its identity. Rabbani and his organization argue that the country’s foundation should be based on Islamic principles, rather than secular laws, drawing parallels with the formation of Pakistan, which was created in the name of Islam.
However, this agenda raises concerns about the rights and safety of religious minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and even Ahmadiyya Muslims, who Rabbani openly dismisses as non-Muslims. When questioned about the attacks on temples and minorities in various parts of Bangladesh, Rabbani claimed his organization made efforts to prevent such incidents, though he downplayed the scale of the violence.
One of the most controversial aspects of Hifazat-e-Islam’s agenda is its stance on statues and monuments. The organization successfully lobbied for the removal of a statue of the Greek goddess Themis from the Supreme Court premises in 2017. Rabbani continues to call for the demolition of statues across the country, including those of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation, and other prominent figures.
“We will request that the statues built across the country be demolished,” said Rabbani, asserting that while idols in Hindu temples should be protected, statues representing political figures, particularly those connected to the secular foundations of the country, should be removed.
The issue of women’s rights also came up during the interview. Rabbani stated that while Hifazat-e-Islam does not condone the physical enforcement of the hijab, they would prefer it to be a widespread practice. He denied any involvement in recent violent incidents where women were harassed for not wearing the hijab but affirmed that under Islamic rule, Sharia law would govern such matters.
As Bangladesh moves towards its next phase of governance under an interim government, with figures like Abul Faiyaz Mohammad Khalid Hussain serving as an advisor, Hifazat-e-Islam’s influence on national politics is evident. Rabbani made it clear that the organization does not intend to participate in elections but will continue to advocate for Islamic rule through non-political means.
Hifazat-e-Islam’s increasing popularity among Bangladesh’s Muslim majority reflects a growing divide between secular and religious forces in the country. The organization’s vision of a future Bangladesh is one where Islamic law prevails and justice is administered according to the tenets of Islam.
While Rabbani claims their ultimate goal is to ensure justice for all, including religious minorities, the organization’s actions and rhetoric suggest a significant shift away from the secular values that have defined Bangladesh since its independence. With the political landscape of Bangladesh rapidly changing, the future of its secular identity remains uncertain as groups like Hifazat-e-Islam push for a more religiously governed nation.
