Dhaka Metropolitan Hezbut Tawheed organized a human chain and protest rally in front of the National Press Club on Saturday, 2 August 2026, at 11:00 AM, protesting what it described as false propaganda, public threats, and inflammatory speeches delivered against the organization under the banner of Hefazat-e-Islam in Noakhali.
The demonstration was organized in response to statements made against Hezbut Tawheed during a rally held on 1 August at the Noakhali Zilla School Ground under the banner of Hefazat-e-Islam.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Mahbub Alam Mahfuz, President of Dhaka Metropolitan Hezbut Tawheed and Joint General Secretary of the Central Committee. Other speakers included Md. Mashiur Rahman and S. M. Shamsul Huda, Joint General Secretaries of the Central Committee, Mokhlesur Rahman Sumon, Secretary for Student Welfare of Dhaka Metropolitan, and Ayesha Siddika, Joint Women’s Affairs Secretary.
The speakers alleged that a group centered around Qawmi madrasas, operating under the banner of Hefazat-e-Islam, had organized what was presented as an Islamic gathering but was, in reality, an extremist and provocative event. They claimed that the rally was deliberately arranged to disrupt the peaceful environment of Noakhali and that completely baseless, false, and fabricated allegations were made against Hezbut Tawheed. They further alleged that open threats were issued during the gathering, including calls to eliminate the organization, expel it from the country, and “bury” its existence.
The speakers also stated that misogynistic and hate-filled rhetoric had been used to exploit religious sentiments and incite violence against a lawful and peaceful movement. According to them, such speeches and activities pose a serious threat to the lives, property, and security of Hezbut Tawheed members and their families.
During the program, the speakers recalled the violent attack on the village home of Imam Hosain Mohammad Selim in Sonaimuri, Noakhali, in 2016, during which two members of Hezbut Tawheed were killed, homes were set on fire, and widespread destruction occurred. They expressed concern that similar attempts were being made to recreate such violence.
Calling upon the government to take immediate action, the speakers urged the authorities to bring to justice those responsible for issuing public threats, inciting violence, spreading false propaganda, and making derogatory remarks against women. They also demanded that the constitutional rights, human rights, and the safety of the lives and property of Hezbut Tawheed members be ensured.
Following the human chain, a protest procession marched from the National Press Club and proceeded along Topkhana Road. Participants chanted slogans against extremism, the exploitation of religion, and incitement to violence, while demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for provoking hatred and unrest.
