Disturbances in Kushtia

It appears from the reports that members of the Hizbut Towhid were trying to distribute leaflets containing its own interpretation of Islam. The locals tried to resist the move and the clashes that ensued left at least one person dead and many others injured. This was clearly a case of excesses committed in the name of religion.

Bangladesh is known as a moderate Muslim country having a long tradition of religious tolerance. This tradition is something that we can duly be proud of. Hence, we cannot allow the fanatic forces to subvert it. The equanimity that we have in regard to all other religions is part of our fundamental ethos.

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The ethos are rooted in history and primarily oriented towards maintaining inter-communal harmony. So the fanatic forces which are trying to disrupt this balance through means violent are actually showing an utter disrespect for the values and norms that form the very basis of our society. Besides, they are also threatening to upset social equilibrium.

The question is: how should we deal with the problem. Have we taken the right stance to counter it? The government stand on the issue should be clear and unequivocal-- religious fanaticism cannot be entertained. We should learn from the experience of other countries and avoid underestimating the extremists who may have the strategy of transforming society according to their own agenda. The Kushtia incident could well be the tip of an iceberg.

The BNP and the Awami League, which could have been a force in countering the threat, are busy playing their favourite blame-game. The fanatic forces are actually capitalising on the major parties' failure to address this common threat to society and polity.

People in general are showing due sensitivity to the problem. Now, the government must adopt a vigorous strategy to prevent religion being exploited for obscurantist political purposes.