2020 Darul Uloom Hathazari student protest
Darul Uloom Hathazari, also known as Hathazari Madrasa, is the oldest and largest Qawmi madrasa in Bangladesh. In 2010, Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh emerged from this Madrasa, gaining widespread attention during the 2013 anti-government protests. At that time, Shah Ahmad Shafi served as the organization's Amir, while Junaid Babunagari was the Secretary-General. Babunagari continued to hold his position in the madrasa after Shafi. However, since the 2013 movement, both leaders have undergone changes in their thinking. While Ahmad Shafi gradually distanced himself from the opposition stance against the government, Junaid Babunagari remained unwavering in his position.
Anas Madani, the son of Ahmad Shafi, played a significant role in his father's change of thinking. Madani's involvement in various controversial activities using the influence of his father has raised concerns. The madrasa officials were divided into two groups, and the conflict between them came to light after Anas Madani's supporters, led by him, held a meeting of the management committee and removed Junaid Babunagari from his position as the assistant director of the madrasa. As a result, on September 16, 2020, students began protesting, demanding the removal of Anas Madani and Ahmad Shafi from the post of Director-General, making Shafi an advisor instead, among other demands.