Two cabinet ministers on Wednesday urged Hefazat-e-Islam to revoke its May 5 Dhaka-blockade programme and take part in the next general election to amend the constitution for implementing its 13-point demand.
Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu at a press conference, held in his ministry conference room, said the leaders of the Hefazat-e-Islam were not playing this role to protect Islam, they were engaging in politics.
No religion, including Islam has ever been in trouble after the independence of Bangladesh, he said adding, the government has always tried to protect each and every religion.
Inu urged people of all faiths not to believe in Hefazat's propaganda in the name of Islam, and asked the group to abstain from continuing their campaign.
Referring to the Hefazat's demands, the minister said: “The government has already met some of its demands as it has arrested a number of anti-Islamic campaigners. The national women policy has also been amended.”
“But they are demanding that the government change the constitution. This is not an easy task for a democratically elected government; only the military rulers can do it illogically.
“If you intend to change the constitution, you may join the election and try to get people’s mandate to amend it. Please don’t create unrest in the country and destroy the economy,” he implored.
Meanwhile, Environment and Forest Minister Hasan Mahmud also asked Hefazat to withdraw its May 5 Dhaka-blockade programme at a different briefing in his ministry.
The government has information that BNP and Jamaat activists may resort to violence in the country on the day of the Dhaka siege programme.
He mentioned that Hefazat should withdraw the programme taking into consideration the rescue and rehabilitation activities of Savar building collapse victims as other political parties have already responded to the call of the government by withdrawing their shutdowns.
If the Hefazat leaders and activists stick to their guns and try to provoke violence actions will be taken against them, he warned.