Welcome the holy month

In today's context Ramadan bears special significance not just for Bangladesh but the entire Muslim world. Bangladesh is passing through one of its most difficult times. Today only a minuscule minority of misguided "Muslims," so called champions and defenders of the faith, are terrorising and killing innocent people. Islam has no place for these kinds of senseless killings that engender instability and create panic in the society. Not only that, it is also seriously damaging our image abroad. Needless to say, time is running out and we must arrest the scourge of religious extremism before it threatens our very existence. Let us, the majority of Muslims, therefore take a pledge in this holy Month of Ramadan to stand up united against all forms of extremism, bigotry and intemperate behaviour.

To this end the nation must unite and work together. The government on its part must play its role with utmost sincerity and total commitment. The administration should also remember that much of the people's co-operation and support would depend on the transparency of its interventions on the ground.

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Let us all in this holy month renew our pledge once again to become truly the best creation amongst all beings in the world. Let us recall the life and the examples of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Let us all follow his ideals of living a life of moderation and humility, of total honesty and truthfulness.

What we follow and practice over this one month of Siyam must also be reflected in our words and actions all through the year and through our lives. That is what this month enjoins upon all Muslims.