Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has expressed concern over reports that teachers and students from Qawmi educational institutions are increasingly leaning toward Jamaat-e-Islami after several well-known Qawmi scholars joined the party. On July 16, leaders of seven Islamic parties from the Qawmi tradition held a discussion meeting at Jamea Azizul Uloom Babunagar Madrasa in Fatikchhari, Chattogram, at the call of Hefazat chief Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari.

The meeting, chaired by Babunagari, included leaders from Hefazat and several Islamic groups, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Nezam-e-Islam Party, Islami Oikya Jote, Khelafat Andolan, Khelafat Majlish and Islami Andolon. Participants were given a message to move forward in unity, and leaders of the parties agreed to remain united.

A person present at the meeting said some students had joined Jamaat because Qawmi scholars were allied with it, and that the number could rise. Hefazat vice amir Maulana Ahmad Ali Qasemi said the issue was not on the formal agenda but arose in discussion. He said many scholars still do not regard Jamaat as an Islamic party of the righteous, while Qawmi youths’ reported tilt toward BNP was not discussed.