My observations are as follows:
1. Most of the Bangladeshi Muslims are religious (so are most of the non-Muslims). They are secular to the extent that they are mentally ready to see the separation of religions from the State. They have proved it by supporting and participating in various socio-political movements. They are mostly non-communal and have a long history of living peacefully and harmoniously with different religious communities. It is the opinion leaders that make the majority think and act otherwise. And they constitute a tiny fraction of the entire population.
2. I am not aware about membership policy of HRCBM. Everybody does not have to join HRCBM. Even being outside HRCBM, many Muslim intellectuals are constantly trying to protect and promote human rights of various minority groups including the religious ones.
3. Sukhamaya is probably correct in his observation that "some minority rights advocates
are certainly skeptical about the secular/humanist credentials of many Muslims who claim to be so." That's a pathetic situation. But it is true that for obvious reasons those who come from the oppressed and persecuted minority group are the best candidates to lead and carry out the human rights activities. But it is also true that their activities become more effective if they can get direct support from people from the majority. HRCBM may want to have a membership policy that will allow, for example, up to 10% Muslim members in the general body as well as in the executive committee.
are certainly skeptical about the secular/humanist credentials of many Muslims who claim to be so." That's a pathetic situation. But it is true that for obvious reasons those who come from the oppressed and persecuted minority group are the best candidates to lead and carry out the human rights activities. But it is also true that their activities become more effective if they can get direct support from people from the majority. HRCBM may want to have a membership policy that will allow, for example, up to 10% Muslim members in the general body as well as in the executive committee.
--------SC
"Sukhamaya Bain "@yahoo.com wrote:
"Sukhamaya Bain "@yahoo.com wrote:
WRT: http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/mukto- mona/message/ 45688
--- Jahed Ahmed@yahoo.com wrote:
>
I am profoundly disappointed not to see inclusion of
any securalist/humanist of Bangalee Muslim origin
(prefereably from Bangladesh) in the executive body of
the HRCBM council. What could possibly be the reason-
1. There is none?
2. There are some, but those are afraid to join HRCBM?
3. HRCBM is afraid to have them?
>
To address Mr. Ahmed's three questions, I am not sure
how accurate I would be. But let me try.
Ans to Q1: There are secular/huamanist Muslims in
Bangladesh, but they are a tiny fraction of the
Bangladeshi Muslim intelligentsia.
Ans to Q2: Being afraid is probably at the extreme of
the spectrum here. Many of them probably just want to
remain politically correct and are reluctant to join
organizations like HRCBM, which is clear about
exposing hatred against minorities; and that exposure
would be not only to Bangladesh and its government,
but to the world as well.
Ans to Q3: Again, being afraid is probably not the
correct phrase here. Some minority rights advocates
are certainly skeptical about the secular/humanist
credentials of many Muslims who claim to be so.
Aside from the specific questions above, my feeling is
that many non-Muslim rights advocates probably feel
that Muslims would be like guests, as opposed to
workers, in organizations like HRCBM; and that
non-Muslims have to fight for the rights of the
non-Muslims in Bangladesh. As far as the new Executive
Committee of HRCBM Bangladesh Chapter goes, I am very
pleased to see so many prominent and respectable
citizens of Bangladesh there.
I personally wish that there was no fault-line between
Muslims and non-Muslims in Bangladesh, and that people
like Jahed Ahmed and myself could work together in an
organization like Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh
(no majority/minority). Unfortunately, the reality is
quite a bit worse than that.
Wishing a Happy New Year 2008 for everyone,
Sukhamaya Bain
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