Top Hefajat men threatening us

Late Hefajat chief Ahmed Shafi's family members yesterday told reporters that top leaders of the Islamist organisation have been threatening them.

Shafi's brother-in-law Md Moin Uddin, who filed a case on December 16 accusing 36 Hefajat leaders and activists of killing Shafi, told a press conference at Chattogram Press Club that some of the accused were trying to force him to withdraw the case.

He said the family was receiving the threats from Hefajat-e-Islam Joint Secretary General Mamunul Haque, who was accused in the case, and its Amir Junayed Babunagari.

He added that Shafi's family members have been intimidated by some of the accused since his death, but the situation got much worse after the case was filed with a Chattogram court.

Moin lodged the case with the court of Judicial Magistrate Shiplu Kumar Dey. The case stated that it was a premeditated murder.

The court ordered the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to look into it.

"If Babunagari is not involved, we don't want him to be harassed. But if he is found involved, we want the death penalty for him," Moin said.

He added that those who were threatening the family should not be concerned if they are innocent and urged the government to ensure proper investigation into the case.

Even though Hefajat is an apolitical organisation, Babunagari is using it as a tool to make political gains, he said.

He also urged his fellow men to speak the truth, ignoring the threats.

He added that Shafi's son Anas Madani and Moulana Mohammad Yousuf could not attend the press conference due to safety concerns.

On December 23, Babunagari at a press conference said Shafi died a natural death and the allegation of "murder is politically motivated".

He said, "He died as Allah intended. Those who formed an autocratic system centring Ahmad Shafi and cracked down on innocent students of the madrasa are now out to paint it as a murder."

The top leader of Hefajat urged the government to dismiss the case or face tough demonstrations.

On September 18, Shafi, who often drew controversy for opposing women's empowerment and education, passed away.