Chattogram: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday visited the grave of the late Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh chief, Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi, at Al-Jamiatul Ahlia Darul Ulum Moinul Islam Madrasha in Hathazari, Chattogram. The visit marked a significant moment of reflection and respect as the Prime Minister paid homage to the influential Islamic leader.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister arrived at the madrasha by road at approximately 5:50 p.m. and offered Fateha at the grave of Shah Ahmad Shafi. The Deputy Press Secretary, Hasan Shiplu, confirmed the details of the visit. Accompanying the Prime Minister were Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Mir Mohammad Helal, PM’s Defence Adviser ATM Shamsul Islam, and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. The madrasha principal, Maulana Khalil Ahmed Qureshi, was also present during the visit.
After paying respects at the grave, the Prime Minister was accompanied by the madrasha principal to the second floor of the institution. There, he took the opportunity to engage with senior Islamic scholars and madrasha teachers, exchanging greetings and fostering dialogue, as stated by Shiplu. Before departing, Tarique Rahman also interacted with students, shaking hands and extending his greetings.
Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi, who passed away on September 18, 2020, was a venerable figure within Bangladesh’s Qawmi madrasa community. He served as the director general of Al-Jamiatul Ahlia Darul Ulum Moinul Islam for over three decades and was the founding chief of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh. His influence extended across a range of issues related to Islam, Qawmi education, and various social and religious matters, establishing him as a prominent figure in the nation’s religious landscape.
Earlier that day, before visiting Shah Ahmad Shafi’s grave, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman traveled by road from Banshkhali to Fatikchhari. During this journey, he visited Al-Jamiatul Islamia Azizul Ulum Babunagar Madrasha to meet with Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh chief Allama Shah Muhibullah Babunagari.