Azizul Haque, Joint Secretary General of Hefazat-e-Islam, has called for the trial of activists from the Gonojagoron Mancha, labeling them "Shahbaghis" and supporters of the 2013 Shapla Square massacre. He alleged that in 2013, anti-Islamic forces backed by India attempted to destroy Bangladesh's sovereignty and justice system through the Shahbagh movement. According to him, Hefazat thwarted this conspiracy, which led to a brutal nighttime crackdown on their rally at Shapla Chattar. Haque claimed over 84 madrasa students and teachers were martyred, and that those supporting the massacre must also be held accountable.