The radical Islamic group HIZB UT-Tahrir, which has been banned in Bangladesh since October 2009, held its first public rally in Dhaka on Friday, ignoring the long-standing government ban, according to Year Report. After Friday’s prayer, the rally titled “March of Girafa” began at the northern gate of the Betel Mukalam National Mosque and attended by thousands of supporters.
according to Dhaka Tribunethe activity leads to conflicts between members of the banned organization and the police.
Law enforcement officers tried to stop the march, causing violent disputes. To disperse the crowd and restore control, police used tear gas and sound grenades. When the protesters were initially dispersed, they later reorganized and tried to continue the march.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police issued a warning a day ago to prohibit organizing public gatherings. Nevertheless, hundreds of activists chanting “Khilafat, Khilafat” marched from mosques, trying to get past police roadblocks, Reuters Report.
HIZB UT-Tahrir advocates the establishment of the global Islamic caliph (Khilafah) to unite all Muslim majority countries under a single Islamic government. Despite the group’s claims of nonviolence, Bangladesh banned it in 2009 because it posed a threat to national security.
Islamic groups gain visibility
Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, professor of the Department of Public Administration at Dhaka University, noted that the Islamic groups in Bangladesh gained more freedom after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country. Speech YearKalimullah said several banned Islamic clothing now holds public press conferences and expands its influence.
“Islamists have successfully carved a larger space in the public sphere. Bangladesh jamaat-e-Islami strengthened its stance, and Hefazat-e-Islam became more prominent. Figures such as Charmoni’s companion have been affected. Even if it was banned, even Hizb Ut-Tahrir, flyers, posters and parades can be seen. They are even calling press conferences.
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The political climate of Bangladesh
The rally comes amid ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh, a country with a population of 170 million people, and has seen growing tensions in recent months. The state has been struggling to deal with instability since the Provisional Government Leaded by Nobel Prize winner Muhammad YunusResponsible after the protest that led to Sheikh Hasina’s withdrawal from power.
(with ANI, input from Reuters)
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