AL wants to keep Hefazat in check ahead of elections

Awami League (AL) wants to maintain its relationship with Hefazat-e-Islam to ensure that the Islamist group is not used by others to create another May 5-like situation ahead of the next general elections. AL does not see the relationship as a political liaison and it will never become that, said the party's policy-level leadership. There is no truth to the speculation that the AL is looking at Hefazat as a possible coalition partner to contest in the next general election, let alone share seats in parliament. However, the ruling party may give nomination to certain candidates for the next election if the Hefazat lobbies for them, party sources reveal. Hefazat will not be granted any political favours that will strengthen them, while at the same time, AL is staying alert to other political quarters exploiting Hefazat to reap political benefits and shooting from their shoulders. The party sources also claimed that some political organisations had plotted to create a repeat of the May 5 mayhem by utilising Hefazat over the issue of the removal of lady Justice statue from the Supreme Court premises. An influential leader of the AL panel of secretaries told the Bangla Tribune: “Awami League doesn't believe Hefazat-e-Islam will vote for Awami League. Intimacy with Hefazat to get votes is nothing but a rumour. The only reason for keeping ties with them is to make sure they can't create an unrest-like situation.” Faruk Khan, a member of AL panel of secretaries, said: “Awami League's connection with Hefazat is a media creation. Awami League has no internal relations with them.” Asked about the government according recognition to Dawra-e-Hadith under Qawmi Madrasa Education Board as equivalent to a Masters degree and the replacement of the Lady Justice statue, Faruk said: “Qawmi recognition was reasonable to which the government responded. Hefazat had been demanding the replacement of the statue, and the Chief Justice was responsible for removing it. This doesn't prove Hefazat has any relations with the government.”