Hefazat-e-Islam’s Noakhali branch has called for Hizb ut-Tawhid to be banned in Bangladesh. Its leaders made the demand on July 30 while inspecting preparations for a planned grand rally in Noakhali on August 1. They said the group’s activities, which they described as contrary to the Quran and Sunnah, should be permanently eliminated.

The programme is being organised jointly by Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, Jamiatul Madarisil Qawmiyah and the Committee for Preventing Anti-Islamic Activities. Noakhali branch leaders described Hizb ut-Tawhid as holding a kufri ideology and alleged that it was conspiring to damage Muslims’ faith and beliefs. They also alleged that the organisation was targeting Noakhali and urged the head of government and relevant authorities to annul it through legislation.

The August 1 rally is scheduled for the district school field and is expected to include leading Islamic scholars and leaders of various Islamic organisations. Hefazat leaders said outreach, leaflet distribution and publicity campaigns were underway in Noakhali and neighbouring districts. They said they expected a large gathering of worshippers and members of the public, while calling on the administration to maintain normal law and order.