WRT: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mukto-mona/message/48274
Dear Mr. Bose,
Thank you for sharing this article with us. My father who
never talked to us about the importance of any particular religion and never
tried to separate us from the mainstream society which was half Hindu half
Muslim. We were never taught if any religion was superior to the other. This was
very natural in the early 50's and the ideals of toleration and respect was
also a natural trait. Bengali Muslims were never diehard Muslims and therefore
the society was peaceful and integrated. The rhythm of khol, kartal and dhol
was always around us and we used to rush for Hariloot sweets without any
hesitation. During the Bengali New Year's day jilabi made of goor, raw sugar,
was a delicacy. My father along with us used attends all the Hindu weddings and
once he performed kanyadaan for his Hindu friend whose daughter used calls my
father as Baba.
Those were the days when we were sincere to our identity as Bengalis.
This cordial atmosphere started to change when Pakistani rulers brought the
poison of communalism into East Pakistan. An endless
propaganda was made to create division and discord. But I don't think they were
successful otherwise Bangladesh
would not have been there today. After 1971 it was expected that Bangladesh
will be an example of communal harmony but it did not happen. The potent poison
which was injected by the Pakistani rulers got a revival due to some mischievous
politicians and international propaganda. Islamic fundamentalism and extremism is
not a religious movement, it's a criminal movement generated by some vested
interests. They have already done much harm to the society but I am optimistic
that in the long run mankind will return its abode of peace and harmony and the
evil doers will be defeated.
Many people may castigate my views but I would say that the
soul of ancient India
is still alive in us. We discovered a unity in diversity centuries ago. We have
an eternal spirit among us. We are still encouraged by the teachings of Upanishad.
There lies our true identity which many people may deny but this is the real
spirit which still keeps us going.
Akbar Hussain
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