Hundreds of thousands of people took part in the namaz-e-janaza of Hefazat leader Ahmed Shafi in Chattogram's Hathazari yesterday.

The supreme leader of Hefazat-e-Islam was laid to rest on the premises of Al Jameyatul Ahlia Darul Ulum Moinul Islam Madrasa, popularly known as Hathazari Madrasa, after the Janaza.

The prayer was conducted by Moulana Yousuf, Mohtamim (director) of Shilok Mohiussunnah Madrasa, which was established by Shafi.

The body of Shah Ahmad Shafi, supreme leader of Hefazat-e-Islam, is seen in this photo being taken for the namaz-e-janaza at Hathazari madrasa in Chattogram on September 19, 2020. Photo: Rajib Raihan

Moments before the Janaza, Shafi's son Anas Madani was about to say something addressing the crowds. But a commotion was heard on the speakers instead. Insiders said a Hefazat faction did not let him speak, terming him a collaborator.

Anas refused to comment about the matter to this correspondent.

The crowds pouring in from across the country spilled over the 2-km stretch of Hathazari-Kharachari road. Nearby rooftops and alleys were also filled with people who could not get to the madrasa premises.

Abdur Rahim travelled over 160 km from Laxmipur to see Shafi for the last time. 

"But I could not enter the main premises and had to take part in the Janaza on the street," he told The Daily Star.

Police teams in riot gear were seen at key points.

As the crowd started to leave the area on foot later in the afternoon, Chattogram-Rangamati and Chattogram-Khagrachari highways got almost blocked.

Many people had to take part in the janaza on rooftops of nearby buildings as they could not make their way to the main ground due to the huge crowd. Photo: Rajib Raihan