Hifazat-e Islam chief Ahmad Shafi hospitalised

Hifazat-e Islam chief Shah Ahmad Shafi, who drew flak for his anti-women rants on several occasions, has been admitted to a hospital in Chittagong.

The outfit’s Organising Secretary Azizul Haque Islamabadi told the media about the hospitalisation of 93-year old leader at a news call at a community centre in the port city on Wednesday noon.

The Hifazat chief was scheduled to address the press meet on ‘the present political crisis’.

But Islamabadi read out Shafi’s written speech.

He criticised the two major political parties – the Awami League and BNP – for the current political situation.

Shafi’s personal assistant Maulana Shafiul Alam told bdnews24.com the Hifazat chief was admitted to CSCR Hospital on Tuesday night after he felt unwell.

“He is suffering from old-age complications. However, his condition is improving.” he said.

Islamabadi quoted Shafi as saying: “Bangladesh has come to a standstill due to the political conflict between the government and the opposition.”

He said the country was in a great danger.

“Ordinary people are dying in so-called encounters, cross-fire and petrol bomb attacks. People are being subject to enforced disappearance. Dead-bodies are being left here and there,” Shafi said.

The Hifazat leader said the safety and security of general people had been threatened by the ‘brutality’ that the law-enforcing agencies had unleashed to tackle the ‘opposition movement’.

“This deep crisis has been created as the government was not voted by the majority of the people. Those with big political ego have put the nation into troubles by repealing the caretaker government system,” he added.

The Hifazat also took a dig at the BNP for its non-stop transport blockade.

“The country is on the verge of ruin due to the ceaseless blockade and shutdowns. This cannot be allowed to go on,” Shafi was quoted further as saying.

“We wish to tell the government and the opposition: Reach a compromise and find a solution (to the problem) immediately,” he added.