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Additional police, RAB and BGB members have been deployed to four Chittagong upazilas, including Hathazari, fearing a deteriorating public order situation centered on the janaza of Amir Shah Ahmad Shafi of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh.
Last night, seven magistrates in Hathazari, Fatikchhari, Rangunia and Patiya were appointed to maintain law and order. Of these, four will be in Hathazari and one in the other three upazilas.
In addition, four platoons have been deployed in Hathazari and two platoons in Fatikchhari, Rangunia and Patiya to avoid adverse incidents. A total of 10 BGB platoon members have been deployed.
Additional District Magistrate Badiul Alam Pavel confirmed the information to The Daily Star, saying: “It was decided to deploy BGB last night to maintain law and order. They have started patrolling at different locations in Hathazari and three other upazilas since this morning.
Citing eyewitnesses, our local correspondent said that this morning Shah Ahmad Shafi’s body was taken to Al-Jamiatul Ahlia Darul Uloom Moinul Islam Madrasa known as Hathazari Madrasa. Thousands of people have already gathered there. Today millions of people have attended.
The student protest started last Wednesday in Hathazari Madrasa. Anas Madani, son of Ahmed Shafi and deputy director of the madrasa, was called that night in response to the demands. If the protests continue the next day, the madrasa will be closed indefinitely in a notice issued by the Ministry of Education on Thursday. But if the protests from the agitated students don’t stop, CEO Ahmed Shafi himself announced his resignation from his post around 12pm on Thursday.
When Shafi fell ill, he was taken to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Later, when his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to Azgar Ali Hospital in Dhaka yesterday afternoon. He died while receiving treatment there.
Additional police, RAB and intelligence personnel have been present in the Hathazari area since Wednesday.
