Allama Shah Ahmed Shafi, the rector of Hathazari Madrasa and chief of Hefazat e Islam, breathed his last in a hospital in the capital on Friday evening, within 24 hours of resigning from his post at Hathazari in the face of student protests, reports UNB.
He was 104.
Shafi's son Anas Madani confirmed the matter, saying his father died at the Asgar Ali Hospital in Gendaria around 6:40 pm Friday evening.
Shafi was shifted from Chattogram Medical College Hospital Friday afternoon as his condition deteriorated.
Earlier Shafi, also the chief of Hefajat-e-Islam, resigned from his madrasa post after a meeting of Majlis-e-Shura (policymaking body) on Thursday night, citing health grounds.
He was admitted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital and later shifted to a hospital in the capital.
President M Abdul Hamid expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of eminent Islamic scholar Shah Ahmed Shafi, Amir of Hefazat-e-Islam.
In a message of condolence, the President said Allama Shafi had played an important role in promoting Islam at home and abroad.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Amir of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi.
In a condolence message, the prime minister prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed profound sympathy to the bereaved family.
Shah Ahmad Shafi was rector of Al-Jamiatul Ahlia Darul Unum Moinul Islam Hathazari, to give the institution its full name, and also the chairman of Bangladesh Qawmi Madrasah Education Board.
He was born in 1916 (1334-35 AH) in Rangunia of Chattogram and was educated at Hathazari Madrasah and Darul Uloom Deoband.
Shafi commenced his career as a teacher at AL-Jamiatul Ahlia Darul Ulum Moinul Islam Hathazari madrasa in Chittagong.
Earlier report adds: A group of Hathazari Madrasa students demonstrated on Wednesday demanding the removal of the Hefajat chief and his son Maulana Anas, the publicity secretary of Hefajat.
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