How is it a problem? The reason I ask this is religious identity is part of culture of this sub-continent. Anytime the British or anyone tried to "Alter" it, it did not work. Indian ex-foreign minister Shashi Tharoor explained the difference in a talk few years ago. He was talking about difference between communist movement in Europe and sub-continent. He said communists in Europe do not even practice any religion. They deny any reference to God. Communist in west Bengal have faith in communist ideals but they ALSO sponsor largest "Durga puja" mandop in Kolkata [ He grew up in Kolkata]. I think this "Out of the box" solution kept them in power for many years and they were able to make some fundamental changes in lives of people they represented.
I have no doubt in mind that some reforms are needed in our religious education system and we need to look at how religion has been abused for political gains in our history. However people of sub-continent are very spiritual and they cannot live without their "Religious identity". Any move to force people will only make it more popular. Same way Bangla language became our "Battle cry" when we were "Told" that our language has no place in our lives.
It would be better if we attempt to learn from history. Blindly following France or Holland is not the answer. We have to seek answer to our problems respecting our culture, religion and traditions.
My two cents........
From: Farida Majid <farida_majid@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tue, Feb 22, 2011 2:22 am
Subject: [ALOCHONA] FW: What a shame! Religious identity PANIC!
The British colonial Administration started counting the people of this land by their religous identities. Our society, politics or economy before the advent of the British did not function around religious identities of the populace. God knows that there are many other ways of classifying people. Language and culture are better and bigger identifiers, religion being a contributor to overall culture.
Ekushey amader porichoy. Let us celebrate Amor Ekushey!
Farida Majid
From: hye.dhaka@gmail.com
Date: Sat, 19 Feb 2011 10:55:44 -0500
Subject: Re: [Alapon] What a shame!
Sent from my iPhone
\To: "alapon@yahoogroups.com" <alapon@yahoogroups.com>
Cc: "alapon@yahoogroups.com" <alapon@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Friday, February 18, 2011, 4:41 PM
Sent from my iPhone
From: Abm Hanip <abmhanip@yahoo.com>
Sent: Fri, February 18, 2011 3:09:09 PM
Subject: [Alapon] What a shame!
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Monday, February 21, 2011
Re: [ALOCHONA] FW: What a shame! Religious identity PANIC!
Well said.
-----Original Message-----
It is this evil thing called "religious identity" -- not Religion itself -- that is the founding stone of COMMUNALISM.
My dear fellow Bangladeshi bros and sis:
By seeing the subject line and several emails from different corners, I witnessed people emphasized on secular character of Bangladesh but we have also another virtue of all Bangladeshis that is tolerance. When someone make some unintentional mistake, we all should not jump on that person to personally humiliate or criticize that person and use all our writing weapons to make that person prove wrong.
Unfortunately I do not know any member of this group including Mr. Hanip, so don't take me wrong that I am supporting someone or against someone. You can see how many emails came on this issue, we all know how secular Bangladesh is, no need to prove it, Bangladesh is the one of the rare religious tolerance country which provide government holiday in four religions' festival to respect their religion. You don't see hardly in any other country including India, USA or any European countries. Religious coexistence in Bangladesh is exemplary. BTW, I am also proud being Bangladeshi, for very recent announcement for six month paid maternity leave for female workers in Bangladesh. You will hardly find such decision in any other countries.
Well I am sorry to say, some of the emails came to attack someone personally, that was unfortunate. We, who live abroad should show some more respect to others and would not use our knowledge and skills and time to demean others. If someone make mistake, let's point out, forget and forgive and move on.
Let's pray for Bangladesh cricket team, let's discuss about their performance and achievement. So far they have done a great job against India ....let's hope for the best.
Regards
Syed Hye
Mr. Hanip, your first name Abu sounds Arabic though your last name Hanip seems came from no where. However you may have become Hanip in America from Hanif a Muslim Arabic name which means True believer. Your religious identity is in REAL crisis here more then the billboard you talking about.
Grameen phone has made these billboards not just with pictures from worshippers of one religion but all. Nevertheless, picking up this as an issue simply reflects your filthy jealous mindset which could be anything but a true believer.
Please broaden your heart and consider not hearting your fellow citizen. Be a part of humankind not just Muslim ummah. As a Muslim I feel ashamed that you are the same part of Ummah that I belong to. Message like yours are embarrassment for the entire Muslim ummah and portrays us as unconsidered part of humanity who hates everyone but themselves.
Shamim Chowdhury
Maryland, U.S.A.
--- On Fri, 2/18/11, Kawshiq Chowdhury <vizionphotoworks@gmail.com> wrote:
Broaden your mind oh my fellow Bangladeshis
and stop translating everything into an issue in
the name of religion. Treat others as you would
like to be treated. Just having a big title and
earming a great living does not make you a
person in this world, be a better HUMAN being
first, cause humanity is the key to any and every
Religion out there, or atleast should be the teaching.
Thanks,
Mr. Hanip;
You identified yourself as a CEO of a tech company. Why do you sound like a village Mullah? In Bangladesh, almost two crore people belong to a different faith than you own. Do you not want to recognize them as Bangladeshi?
This is one of your fellow citizen who happens to be of christian faith. Muslims and Hindu prayer scenes have also been depicted at other locations in this Grameen Phone Billboard Campaign.
Is this our Bangladeshi religious identity?
What a shame!
Abu Hanip
Founder & CEO
PeopleNTech
703-586-7848
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