Maulana Abdullah Mohammad Hasan, a nayeb-e-ameer of Hefajat-e-Islam, has resigned from the Qawmi madrasa-based organisation, alleging that the Islamist group has turned into a platform that materialises personal agendas of some controversial Hefajat leaders.

He came up with the announcement at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club yesterday.

"As far as I understand, the death of Hefajat Ameer Shah Ahmad Shafi has created a crisis of competent leadership in the organisation," he said.

"People with different opinions and ideologies have intruded into Hefajat and they are tactfully trying to make Hefajat hit the streets to materialise their personal gains.

"They, to a large extent, have become successful in bringing Hefajat under their control, defying opinions of most of the Hefajat leaders. Those controversial outsiders forced the organisation into enforcing hartal-like programmes that caused public sufferings."

He also said Hefajat in the past used to carry out its activities through discussions among its top leaders. "But in recent times, Hefajat has become a platform which materialises the personal agenda of some of its leaders. After realising these matters, I have resigned as nayeb-e-ameer of Hefajat-e-Islam," said Hasan.

In a written statement, he also said he was very much saddened by the death of 20 people and injuries of scores of others at different parts of the country, including Hathazari of Chattogram, and Brahmanbaria, during recent Hefajat protests.

Besides, he urged the government not to harass innocent alem-ulema.

HEFAJAT'S ASSISTANT PUBLICITY SECRETARY ARRESTED

A team of detective branch of police (Wari division) has arrested Mufti Sharifullah, assistant publicity secretary of Hefajat-e-Islam's central committee, from Mir Hazirbagh area of Jatrabari yesterday.

Based on information, the DB team conducted a drive around 7:30pm and made the arrest, Azharul Islam Mukul, additional deputy commissioner of DB police, told The Daily Star.

Mufti Sharifullah is an accused in the case filed under the Special Powers Act with Jatrabari Police Station on May 6, 2013.

"We will produce the arrestee before court tomorrow [today]," he added.

On May 5, 2013, thousands of members of Hefajat, a Qawmi madrasa-based Islamist organisation, clashed with law enforcers and ruling AL men, turning Motijheel and Paltan areas into a battlefield.