Re: [mukto-mona] Can we discuss religion freely?

My big question was why these Islamic products are in the market now

>>>>>>> It is a fair question. Halal products are in the market because there is a growing demand for it.

Is there any religious edict (I doubt there is any!) that the meat you buy from a grocery store exclusively for eating purpose has to be sanctified?

>>>>>>>>> Islam only speaks about how to slaughter the animal and how to process the meat. Islam does NOT force anyone to buy products from any specific grocery store. You can make your own vegetable garden or raise your own goat if you like to eat Good "Halal" food. You do not need a priest or Maulana. There is a method given and anyone can follow it.


That's why I have said that the concept of "halal" meat is nothing but a religious slogan to make money by catering to a particular market segment.

>>>>>>>>>> Maybe you don't know what halal concept stands for. Because halal does NOT force anyone to buy from any specific market. As I said, you can raise your own fruit and goats,chicken etc. One unethical vendor is just that. ONE bad guy. According to Islam, as long I "Intend" to buy "Halal" food even unethical man cannot spoil anything for me. Allah (SWT) looks at our intention and we take the extra trouble to get Halal food because we love Him and He loves us back and bless us for it. :-)

It wants to make money by selecting a particular market segment.

>>>>>>>> As far as I know everyone is welcome to bank in any Sharia banks. Also in a free market economy, your given reason is good enough reason to have Sharia banks.   

t is a political slogan of the Islamic parties blessed with outside influence.

>>>>>>>>>> We don't mess with "Slogans" when it comes to our money. People are smart enough to separate BS from the real thing. There have been scams with certain Islamic bank in Bangladesh (Not with the "Islami bank") but as far as principal is concern, people want to make sure they are doing it "Ethically" from religious point of view. That is why Islamic banking is very popular in Bangladesh. 

Religious branding is not a good idea in a secular society as this may start with a little thing and then gradually aspire to engulf the entire system.

>>>>>>>> The word "Secular" means different things to different people. I see Sharia banks as an extension of "Free market". There is a HUGE demand for Islamic banking (As 85% of our population are Muslims) and this type of bank encourages people bring their money to the "System". Government gets tax out of it and people don't feel bad about earning from "Usury" or Riba. They like to earn parts of profit banks make with their investments. So it is far more than just "Branding". EVERY Islamic bank has a "Sharia board" which adheres to government rules about such banks and also satisfy rules of Islam at the same time.

This possibility needs to be precluded. Shariah banking is a very recent idea. Right?

>>>>>>>>>>> In democracy and free markets (I like those options) people should have choices. As long these choices are not hurting anyone, it should not be blocked. If anyone does anything wrong to non-Muslims, there are enough laws to protect people against it. If an Islamic bank violates laws of the land and do more than "Banking", we can prevent that without going against Sharia system. This can be said about any banks or businesses in Bangladesh.

If you think judiciously (I mean not being emotional or egoistic about your own religion) you should appreciate that every thing good in Shariah legal systems (there are many schools and not all schools agreeing on many issues) can be incorporated in the legal system of a secular country.

>>>>>>>>>> So you want to have an Islamic system without calling it Islamic? Yeah I am for it.

There are myths that cutting hands for stealing and stoning to death for adultery are sanctioned by Sharia law. What about beheading? What about discriminating against women when it comes to witnessing? I have just given few examples. Are these myths or facts? 

>>>>>>> Yes, we had a lively discussion about beheading here. However the problem is not with Sharia. The REAL issue is HOW are we implementing it.

Islam gives chances for alleged "Criminals" to defend themselves (Similar to secular system). The unique part of Sharia is it gives the victims most power. NOT state but the victims themselves. For example, Islam allows victims to forgive someone for the sake of Allah (SWT). It also gives choices to seek justice (In this case the criminal will be killed for murder) OR they can seek compensation from criminals.

As I said in my last post that, all discrimination are not bad. For example under Sharia, non-Muslims have some privileges over Muslims (Like no mandatory zakat (Wealth tax)). Women do not have the responsibility to run the family. Men HAVE to take care of the family as well as parents. Women may or may not participate in it. Whatever she gets from her dad is hers forever but she will have rights over my income.

I already told you the "Danger" of Sharia. It is NOT the law itself but they people who is supposed to implement it.


4. I have said before that Shariah law may be a tool for the ruler and the clergy to share state power.

>>>>>>>> If you have abusive rulers, they will exploit laws of the land. Sharia or any other law. You can see examples of it EVERYWHERE. For example, Egypt was ruled by a dictator and who oppressed his people with secular law. While the people wanted Islamic choices for them and they were denied of it.

5. Let me finish by telling you about my personal experience. As a tourist I have visited the major Hindu holy places. You will not believe how much corruption is going on there in the name religion. Some of these holy places are money making machines. Every day simple minded and piety seeking Hindus are being cheated. One can even be a victim of coercion by the so called "pandas" in those places.   

>>>>>>>>> I am from BD and I am aware of it. There are corruptions in Hindu holy places AND some Muslim holy places as well. Personally I feel most Muslims do not know about their responsibilities or rights. As I said few times, Islam gave many rights to women but our "Traditions" and male dominant attitude cheats them out of their rights. At least one Islamic movement did get many poor ladies married without any dowry. Muslim males "Borrowed" the dowry tradition from local culture and Islamic asks us to give huge gifts to women while we marry. On top of it they get inheritance. Right now some Hindu women in Bangladesh are asking for more rights comparing Islamic laws!

Therefore, I would submit to you that, there are many positives of Sharia but we are not aware of it.

Shalom!

-----Original Message-----
From: subimal chakrabarty <subimal@yahoo.com>
To: mukto-mona <mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thu, Jun 28, 2012 5:00 am
Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Can we discuss religion freely?

 

1. I have absolutely no problem with religious people buying "halal" meat or choosing Shariah banking or opting for Shariah law. I have every respect for their decisions. My big question was why these Islamic products are in the market now. Is there any religious edict (I doubt there is any!) that the meat you buy from a grocery store exclusively for eating purpose has to be sanctified? Any way, let me tell you about the unethical behavior of a "halal" meat vendor. One such vendor was found to buy meat from an American grocery store to replenish the stock in his own store. That's why I have said that the concept of "halal" meat is nothing but a religious slogan to make money by catering to a particular market segment. 

 

2. Shariah banking is again both a political and business slogan. It wants to make money by selecting a particular market segment. It is a political slogan of the Islamic parties blessed with outside influence. A Shariah bank and a specialized bank (rural bank, industrial bank, etc.) are not comparable. To be effective and efficient in serving the financial needs of a target group, specialized banks are created. Shariah banking is superfluous as mainstream banking system can serve all categories of clients. Religious branding is not a good idea in a secular society as this may start with a little thing and then gradually aspire to engulf the entire system. This possibility needs to be precluded. Shariah banking is a very recent idea. Right? 

 

3. If you think judiciously (I mean not being emotional or egoistic about your own religion) you should appreciate that every thing good in Shariah legal systems (there are many schools and not all schools agreeing on many issues) can be incorporated in the legal system of a secular country. Religious branding again can be avoided. There are myths that cutting hands for stealing and stoning to death for adultery are sanctioned by Sharia law. What about beheading? What about discriminating against women when it comes to witnessing? I have just given few examples. Are these myths or facts? 

 

4. I have said before that Shariah law may be a tool for the ruler and the clergy to share state power. I was reading Romila Thapar which supports my guess. The Muslim rulers in India had to go through similar experiences. There has always been both collusion and tension between the ruler and the clergy. If you look at the Hindu Chaturvarna (recorded and justified by sage Manu) system you will see that Brahmins and Kshatriyas have almost equal status. Power of "Brahmins" has to be minimized and the ruler has to govern as per people's choice, not by divine authority. 

 

5. Let me finish by telling you about my personal experience. As a tourist I have visited the major Hindu holy places. You will not believe how much corruption is going on there in the name religion. Some of these holy places are money making machines. Every day simple minded and piety seeking Hindus are being cheated. One can even be a victim of coercion by the so called "pandas" in those places.        

From: qar <qrahman@netscape.net>
To: mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2012 9:56 AM
Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Can we discuss religion freely?

 

I have simply expressed my concerns. I still believe that both the ideas are outdated.

>>>>>>>> What I meant is I am not going "Crazy" over it but I am not going to be unhappy if it goes all over the world. Since it does NOT replace traditional system and gives an alternative to consumers. I have same views about Grammen bank model as well. Here I am talking about "Sharia bank" or Islamic bank ONLY. I don't think the US will have sharia law anytime soon, so it really does not matter to discuss it. Just to make the point little clearer. Few years ago, I was in a discussion where couple of people discussing about our Bangladeshi system and if sharia will make any positive impact. I said we are not ready for it YET. Because we lie easily and we have no moral problem attacking innocent people. Sharia is a good law but unless we have a sound justice system where Sharia can be implemented properly, it is better to wait. Because I don't want to see people are chopping off their hands just because someone bribed the judge or police to make a false report!! Fundamentally Islam stands for fairness and justice. So unless our institutions are run by more ethical people nothing and none is safe from current establishment in Bangladesh. Sharia is a great system but we need to have good people guarding it. Looking at how the sentiment of "Muktijuddho" is being abused to make money, I am convinced that, as a people we have opportunities to be more mature and responsible. Therefore, not only USA but unless I see some fundamental changes, no law is safe. We have journalists supporting those who kill journalist. We have police beating victims and molesting young women. Extortion rackets and corruption is well known in our system. I say system because I do not think even BNP will be able change much of it. Because corruption became systemic and unless we tweak it to make it more "People friendly" it will be used to oppress common people.

It is also my understanding that Shariah law was a tool for the rulers and clerics to share power. I am saying this using my knowledge on how priests and Christian rulers used to share power. I am sure the same pattern can be found among many Hindu rulers too. >>>>>>>>> I do NOT blame you for being "Concern" about Sharia. Actually sharia covers everything. The fact we Muslims do not eat pork meat is part of Sharia. The fact every Muslim father have to give some property to their daughters is part of sharia. The fact that, women were given power to divorce her husband if he was not able to satisfy her physically is ALSO part of Sharia (Our women do not know it but it can be added to marriage contract as per her demand. All of that over 1400 years ago). It is part of Sharia that, an ideal Islamic state takes full responsibility to protect lives, faiths and properties of non-Muslims. I can go on and on. I do not see much problem with Sharia itself but because most of us are opportunist people, we are very vocal about our rights but easily forget our responsibilities!! If you can collected 100 young men who want to establish Sharia in Bangladesh and question them IF they know that it also means they have to protect Hindus and Christians (As dhimmis or protected people) you are NOT likely to get much response. My real life experience tells me that, only few would even know what Sharia really stands for. According to Sharia rulers, kings and emperors also HAVE to follow conditions of Allah(SWT). No exceptions. Sadly our collective experience with Pakistan does not give us the right view of Sharia. However common people are pretty cool. I say the same about Indians too. I do criticize Indian policies towards our country but I get along with Indians fine most of the time. As we have seen some evidences, Sharia law is discriminatory and cruel and that's why there have been and still there are movements against the implementation of this sort of law. In a modern world, laws made by man should be good enough. Clerics should not have any role in the judicial system of a country. >>>>>>>> I rarely have problems with laws. I mean even secular laws are mostly "Good" in the books. However law is only good when it is implemented properly. American laws are good but it was not fair to African-Americans. So the problem was not with the laws but who and how it was applied. I say the same about Sharia. By looking at current leadership of Islamic parties, I am not so sure they are so eager to deliver their responsibilities. Rather they are often frighteningly eager to use sharia to promote their own interest. There are great scholars of Islam in our country but they are not in the leadership at the moment. Sharia law makes it mandatory on Muslims to pay Zakat (2.5% charity EVERY year!), volunteer if country needs to be defended (Go to war if necessary), pray five times a day etc. I think in these cases "discriminatory" Sharia is there to protect non-Muslims. During prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Jews of Medina also had access to court system of their choice (Taurah law). They did not have to pay "Zakat" to the state but they had to pay "Dhimma" tax for the facilities they enjoyed in an Islamic state. The people who love to be critical about everything "Islamic" often forget to tell you these "Little issues". Once you take an unbiased look at scripture, you will see the fairness in Sharia. 

Shariah banking uses a marketing strategy to make money by catering exclusively to a section of highly religious people. Operation wise, basically it is not different from modern banking. It is simply old wine in a new bottle. There is no reason for a Shariah bank to be more efficient than other banks. Even there is no guarantee that management would not be corrupted.  >>>>>>>>> There are similarities with traditional banks and some differences. Maybe member Hannan can educate us more on it. Generally speaking, it gives great participation to customers. If the bank makes more money in investing different projects, customers are given large percentages of the profit. If bank loses money, customers do share some portion of the lose. Also investments have to be in ethical business. So no "Islamic invesments" in porn industry, wine making, drug dealing curtails.

In this connection I want to make reference to the concept of halal meat. As I see it it is also a business strategy of using religious sentiment to make money. >>>>>>> I agree with your observation that most of the time people play the religious card a little too much. But practicing Muslims do pay the extra money to show our love for our Creator. I get a little less profit from Islamic banks and I do it willingly. :-) The key part of Islamic banking is it offers an additional choice to consumers. If you do not want to participate, you can go to a different bank that suits your need. You will see similar "Ritual" among Jews as well. They pay a little extra to satisfy their religious requirements. Also note, among Muslims there are some differences of opinions about Halal meat concept. Muslims from the sub-continent are mostly goes for what is known as "Zabiha halal". Which means it has to be slaughtered as per Islamic instructions and by a Muslim. I have met many religious Arabs who often produce a verse from the Qur'an which says meat slaughtered by "People of the book" (Jews and Christians) are OK to consume. So these Muslims do agree with Halal requirements but ALSO buy meat from a kosher shop as well. However most of the people of Indian sub-continent go with "Zabiha halal" to ensure we are not taking any chances. There are many debates among Muslims about it with no definitive answers. Hope my answers were helpful. If you have more "Concerns" feel free to share. :-) Shalom!

-----Original Message----- From: subimal chakrabarty <subimal@yahoo.com> To: mukto-mona <mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Tue, Jun 26, 2012 4:35 am Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Can we discuss religion freely?

 

You are admitting that Shariah law and Sharia banking in America are on your wish list indicating that I have not read too much into your e-mail. That is your personal choice. I have simply expressed my concerns. I still believe that both the ideas are outdated.

You will know better. But my understanding is that the concept of Shariah law started to be crystallized two centuries after the death of the prophet. The idea of Shariah banking must be a very recent idea. It is also my understanding that Shariah law was a tool for the rulers and clerics to share power. I am saying this using my knowledge on how priests and Christian rulers used to share power. I am sure the same pattern can be found among many Hindu rulers too. 

As we have seen some evidences, Sharia law is discriminatory and cruel and that's why there have been and still there are movements against the implementation of this sort of law. In a modern world, laws made by man should be good enough. Clerics should not have any role in the judicial system of a country. 

Shariah banking uses a marketing strategy to make money by catering exclusively to a section of highly religious people. Operation wise, basically it is not different from modern banking. It is simply old wine in a new bottle. There is no reason for a Shariah bank to be more efficient than other banks. Even there is no guarantee that management would not be corrupted.  

In this connection I want to make reference to the concept of halal meat. As I see it it is also a business strategy of using religious sentiment to make money. I don't understand in what way a well raised cow slaughtered and packed in a safe environment can be a haram food, and to make it halal it has to be religiously certified by a cleric. Here the beef is only a food; the cow has not been sacrificed in the name of God. I may be missing some thing here. Probably you will be able to help me.    

From: qar <qrahman@netscape.net>
To: mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, June 24, 2012 9:59 AM
Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Can we discuss religion freely?

 

It is interesting to know that you also wish that Shariah Law and Shariah Banking could be adopted in America!

>>>>>>>> You are reading too much into it. Basically it is about choices for consumers. There have been "Islamic" investment in Europe and America for a while. Europe has "Islamic banking window" in many banks in addition to "Regular" banks. However there is a difference between "vehemently support" and to keep it in the wish list. I would also like to have fresh Hilsha fish, Bangla Radio stations, Bangla schools in north America but I'll not about to get into violent arguments over them. My safe guess is (Correct me if I am wrong) you "Wish" for no Sharia banks in Bangladesh. Giving consumers more choices is not a bad thing. Specially when we see "Islamic banking" stood up to recent recession quite well. As far as member Hannan is concern, I respect him choice and I respect choices of most members of this forum. Everyone should have the freedom to like something or dislike something else. As long our choices is non-violent and hurting no one, why is it a problem. Mr. Hannan is a member of this forum and he can have an opinion and other members can disagree with it. That does NOT mean you are trying to turn Bangladesh into communist Russia or Mr. Hannan is trying to make Bangladesh into Afghanistan so easily. People of Bangladesh do not like fanatics of any color. It is the very people who made big sacrifices to establish Pakistan and then when they wanted to attack our identity they defended it and broke out of that "Broken model". All along they were Muslims and most freedom fighters I see today are very Islamic also. All along I made it VERY clear that, I do not see teachings of Islam conflicts with universal values rather it supports most of our common values. Therefore I made it obvious I do not consider being Muslim means I have to carry a "Chip over my shoulder". Bangladesh had Islamic banks for many years now and I do not know of any major problem with it. Couple of those "Islamic banks" have few Hindu gentlemen as directors!! (Would you believe it?) The bottom line is as long theology is not hurting any groups of people, it should be welcomed. to introduce systems based on theological theories whereas the American nation is determined to be secular and keep the church separate from state? I don't understand!!!

>>>>>>> To my knowledge there has been NO initiatives to introduce "Sharia" in America. With due respect, I say you are READING stuff in the post that has NOT been said. As far as I know America kept church and state separate and will remain that way in near future. I do NOT know of any effort to change that from any Muslim organizations of north America. Lastly I think member Hannan is an expert in this field and successfully designed and implemented this system without changing/hurting secular banking system. Maybe you can ask him your questions or share your concerns. Take is easy. ;-) Shalom!

-----Original Message----- From: subimal chakrabarty <subimal@yahoo.com> To: mukto-mona <mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Sun, Jun 24, 2012 8:27 pm Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Can we discuss religion freely?

 

It is interesting to know that you also wish that Shariah Law and Shariah Banking could be adopted in America! I thought in this forum we have only a few people including Mr. Hannan, adviser of Jamaat, who vehemently support it. Any way, I am not sure why Sharia Law and Shariah Banking would be more suitable than the current legal and banking systems! It would be O.K to have them in Talibani Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, or any other countries ruled by "Islam-pasand" political parties, but why in America? Why should there be efforts or movements---active or dorment--- to introduce systems based on theological theories whereas the American nation is determined to be secular and keep the church separate from state? I don't understand!!!

I need help.

From: qar <qrahman@netscape.net>
To: mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2012 1:02 PM
Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Can we discuss religion freely?

 

Yes, there are Muslims who will love to see Sharia Law and Sharia banking in the western world,

>>>>>>>> My observation is this is not a priority of American Muslims. I am sure it would be nice IF it was there but no major Islamic organizations of north America proposed to replace American laws with Sharia. So the whole hoopla in Kansas was about "Nothing". Couple of Bangladeshis are in leadership positions (Both are freedom fighters) in Kansas Muslim community and none of them ever discussed even inside "Bangladeshi Muslim" community. Yeah, if they could have an "Bonoful sweet" shop in Kansas city, it would be nice but I don't think anybody is demanding "Kalojam" in Kansas!! The Sharia topic for Muslims are like that. American Muslims activists are trying to be "Understood" and trying to avoid misunderstanding with mainstream Americans. I would say it is the right choice considering the Eco system over there. Shalom!

-----Original Message----- From: subimal chakrabarty <subimal@yahoo.com> To: mukto-mona <mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Thu, Jun 21, 2012 9:21 pm Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Can we discuss religion freely?

 

There are two sides of the story. Edward Said's "Covering Islam: How the media and the experts determine how we see the rest of the world" is now on my dek. "From the Iranian hostage crisis through the Gulf War and the World Trade Center bombing, the West has been haunted by a spectre called 'Islam'. As portrayed by news media-- and by a chorus of government, academic and corporate experts-- 'Islam' is synonymous with terrorism and religious hysteria. (story of one side) At the same time, Islamic countries use 'Islam' to justify unrepresentative and often repressive rgimses" (story of the other side).

 

Yes, there are Muslims who will love to see Sharia Law and Sharia banking in the western world, and also there are Muslims who do not want Sharia. The story of the other side here is the Kansas story as has been referred to by Mr. Rahman.

 

Said was born into a Christian family. But he was secular and highly critical of religious fundamentalism and fanaticism. 

From: qar <qrahman@netscape.net>
To: mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2012 9:35 AM
Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Can we discuss religion freely?

 

Anyway, fanatic people (religious/ideological/political) may present themselves as innocent and harmless, on the surface, but inside they hide monsters. Once you hurt their feelings, they could be quite dangerous.  We need to be cautious about these people; most of them are not normal thinking people.

>>>>>>>>> As far as I know the term " religious Fanatic" is used when people preach violence or cause harm to other people for belonging to a different religion etc.

I am pretty sure that sort of "Preaching" did not come from me.

He appears to be unhappy about the USA, where people are not yet gagged. I used to think him as a special breed of religious people, as he often preaches free-speech.
>>>>>>>> The true meaning of "Free speech" is to speak your mind. I am very familiar with the "New law" state of Kansas introduced. While no one in Kansas (With a tiny Muslim population) EVER attempted to replace current laws, they are trying to ban it!!

Because of laws of the US, they could not spell Sharia on the law but everyone campaigned for it spoke about how "Sharia" will take over Kansas. People were fed a bowl of lies and fear mongering was the reason why the law was passed. It is a SAD situation for the country like the USA. Which speaks about "Free people" and "Free speech" but surrendered too many times to racial and religious bigots.

Last year a similar smear campaign was launched about the FICTIONAL "Ground zero mosque". While NO ONE ever proposed to erect any mosque on "Ground zero", people from all over the US decided to be "Against a proposal" that was never proposed by anyone!!

The article I linked spoke clearly about a group of people who are very active in fomenting hate against American Muslims.

I am NOT upset about the US and people are NOT "Gagged". Recently bunch of Rohingas were persecuted for belonging to the wrong race and religion but most of our "Esteemed" group members mocked about it for being "Jamaati". Such is our ethics.

I count myself very blessed and fortunate that, in my REAL life I mixed with people from all back ground and very comfortable being "Me". I do not force my religion or ideologies unto others and some Muslims do lecture me for being so Liberal!!

Since I posted messages here, I do not recall pushing my religion unto anyone. ONLY explaining what it is!!

But even that pushed "Panic" buttons on many members. Because they enjoy simply trading insults without any knowledge of topics they discuss.


Lastly, you are welcome to think of me as your wishes. However it would be "CREDIBLE" if you could present some logic, reasons behind such ideas. Last time I checked, simply trading insult is not the same thing as "Free speech". Most civilized countries with the concept of free speeches have codified laws against "Hate speech". Maybe with some years and evolution, we'll learn to know the difference.

It is not about "Hurt feeling" rather standing up against hate mongering. Hope you understand the differences.

Hope I did not hurt any "Feelings" here. Just speaking my mind. :-)


Shalom!

-----Original Message----- From: Jiten Roy <jnrsr53@yahoo.com> To: mukto-mona <mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Wed, Jun 20, 2012 6:21 am Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Can we discuss religion freely?

 

Now, I am so sorry that I made a boo-boo in my last hurried comment, as shown bellow:   "As you know - the fasted growing religion has been the fasted growing problem on earth also." I wrote "fasted" instead of fastest. Thanks to Dr. Das and others who pointed out my mistake.   In response to my above statement, Mr. Q. Rahman said the following: >>>>>>> Growth did not cause any problem. Ignorance and politics did. Don't think this comment was based on "Logic". Mostly on assumptions and perception. Specifically if you live in the US, it became "Kosher" to talk about Islam this way (Without any rational).   In his response, Mr. Q. Rahman may have revealed his inner self. He is saying that - one cannot say whatever he/she likes about Islam from other places, except USA. He is right; people are already gagged by fanatics everywhere else  to say anything against Islam. He appears to be unhappy about the USA, where people are not yet gagged. I used to think him as a special breed of religious people, as he often preaches free-speech.   Anyway, fanatic people (religious/ideological/political) may present themselves as innocent and harmless, on the surface, but inside they hide monsters. Once you hurt their feelings, they could be quite dangerous.  We need to be cautious about these people; most of them are not normal thinking people.   Jiten Roy --- On Tue, 6/19/12, qar <qrahman@netscape.net> wrote: From: qar <qrahman@netscape.net> Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Bangladesh better than India and Pakistan !! To: mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, June 19, 2012, 12:35 PM   1. The propaganda that Islam is in danger still works. It is one of the agenda of Jamaat-BNP alliance and their intellectuals to keep Islam safe. Remember Khaleda Zia's cautionary words uttered a few years ago that if AL came to power, one would hear "uludhwoni" in mosques. >>>>>>>>>> In Bngladesh Khaleda Zia was largely ignored until massive failures of current administration came to surface. I think BNP is getting some popularity in last 12 months. Not because they have said or done anything special but people are frustrated by some activities of current admin. Some of it is normal but some failures are hand to ignore. The comment about ulu in masjid is WRONG. It is scare mongering and people ignored such "tactics". I am glad they did that. I abhor such leaders who play with religion to score political points. Khaleda was criticized for such comments and did not make any of it. Islamic as well as Jihadist movements still to a large extent gain momentum from selling this slogan. >>>>>>>> Not in Bangladesh. Leading imams played a great role in last 5-6 years openly criticizing violence in the name of Islam and most people accepted it.  I googled a little bit. The cyber world is full of hateful articles, vacuous boast, and lies. I >>>>>>>> Well if you like to know little bit about authentic Islam, let me know. The political lies and hateful stuff is for ignorant people. As I tried to explain a fundamental issue on Islam and violence in my recent post. One Christian group has termed what you are saying about growth of Islam as a myth. >>>>>>>>>> You can view government polls. Pew and gallup to get an accurate picture. Christian groups (Most of them) are more fanatic that any Muslim groups you know. ;-) Does growth in population mean any thing (except that increase the number of voters) if they will be on the earth not to be taken care of properly by the states and they will be kept in dark simply to act as the "gravitational pull" on the rest of the society when it should aspire to rise above hunger, illiteracy, superstition, fanaticism >>>>>>>> With due respect, I think you are over reacting a bit. I was replying to a comment that, Islam is in danger. I firmly think it is not. Some ignorant people try to rally people up saying such garbage. Anyone with some knowledge of history knows the strength of Islam is not in number but quality of people. If you want talk about number, let me remind you that, ONLY 17 men overcame the army of Laxman Sen of Bengal!! Those who knows a bit about scriptures knows, our times were foretold by prophet Muhammad (PBUH) saying we'll great in number but still suffer for lack of true faith. I am witnessing that and accept it. No need to panic over everything. My faith does not depend on conditions of others. It depends on me!! But I am nervous about the fact that religions are in a race >>>>>>> Religion is not an Olympic event. :-) Islam is growing fastest, it is a fact. But none of us should talk about it as some sort of sporting event. I think we left our teen years some decades ago. I am nervous because this has the potential to make the world more divisive. >>>>>>>>> As long we are accepting of other faiths and calm about it. It does not make any difference. I have Hindu friends who depend on me more than some of their own family members and rely on my opinions. We accept each other as we are !! I wish we all could keep religion confined to our spiritual life. Religion itself deserves more freedom and effort to internationalize it will bring more havoc for the world. >>>>>>>> Since some of my posts had some verses from the Qur'an, I have received some very "Offensive" remarks from this esteemed forum. Albeit I only used those verses as sources of my comments. That was my intention and most people read too much into it. As if by some magical power, I'll transform them into hajis!! :-D First I was shocked but later had to laugh at it. All those "Maulana" comments and "Communal" comments were over some verses of the Qur'an and they were very normal commentaries. I think as people we (ALL OF US) have to relax a bit more and be more accepting of others. I quoted verses from Veda as well and people were shocked!!  WHY??? I am very comfortable with my faith. I harbor nothing against other faith and my faith made me a better person. So my very innocent sharing made a lot of waves here. It says a lot about US. So as long we allow people to be themselves, we'll be cool. I have visited durga puja mandaps many times and learnt stories behind the events. It did not diminish my faith but helped me to become a more understanding person. One way to achieve this is to decouple religion from politics. >>>>>>>>> I was reading a book by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. He mentioned his reaction when he heard the term "Pakistan". He said it was UN-Islamic. He provided verses from the Qur'an (He was a great scholar of Islam and mother tongue was Arabic) showing Allah (SWT) made the whole world ready for prayer or "Pure". Calling a certain landscape "Pure land" (Thus implying rest is unpure) is closer to Hindu philosophy than what Islam teaches us. He tried his level best to stop "Partition" but failed because of fanatics from both sides stopped him. Had we know what Islam actually says, people would have looked up to us as "Peace makers" not scared hearing some verses of the Qur'an. As I said many times, Muslims are to blame for it mostly. As you know - the fasted growing religion has been the fasted growing problem on earth also. >>>>>>> Growth did not cause any problem. Ignorance and politics did. Don't think this comment was based on "Logic". Mostly on assumptions and perception. Specifically if you live in the US, it became "Kosher" to talk about Islam this way (Without any rational). I'll rest now..... Shalom! -----Original Message----- From: Jiten Roy <jnrsr53@yahoo.com> To: mukto-mona <mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Tue, Jun 19, 2012 5:35 am Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Bangladesh better than India and Pakistan !!   Islam may be the fasted growing religion because of some obvious reasons, such as - Christians are not getting married lately or getting married late in their lives and having less number of children compared to Muslims. Also, you cannot become Christian by birth; you need to be baptized into it. Subimal Chakraborty is right – it's not the quantity, it's the quality that matters in the end.  As you know - the fasted growing religion has been the fasted growing problem on earth also.   Jiten Roy --- On Sun, 6/17/12, subimal chakrabarty <subimal@yahoo.com> wrote: From: subimal chakrabarty <subimal@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Bangladesh better than India and Pakistan !! To: "mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com" <mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com> Date: Sunday, June 17, 2012, 8:31 PM   1. The propaganda that Islam is in danger still works. It is one of the agenda of Jamaat-BNP alliance and their intellectuals to keep Islam safe. Remember Khaleda Zia's cautionary words uttered a few years ago that if AL came to power, one would hear "uludhwoni" in mosques. Islamic as well as Jihadist movements still to a large extent gain momentum from selling this slogan. Even a soft version of this propaganda is making many peaceful and peace-loving Muslims overconscious as Muslims and inspiring them to adop orthodox life style in personal life. This is happening to other religious groups to various extents.     2. After reading your post, I googled a little bit. The cyber world is full of hateful articles, vacuous boast, and lies. It is misleading as well as interesting. By reading this it is hard to draw a conclusion on actually what is actually going on in the growth of religions. One Christian group has termed what you are saying about growth of Islam as a myth. 3. Growth of a religion may come from various sources: immigration, conversion---forced as well as deliberate, birth rate, etc. As some one born into a Hindu family, I will subconsciously if not consciously feel good to know that Hindu population is growing in the whole world. Does growth in population mean any thing (except that increase the number of voters) if they will be on the earth not to be taken care of properly by the states and they will be kept in dark simply to act as the "gravitational pull" on the rest of the society when it should aspire to rise above hunger, illiteracy, superstition, fanaticism, and so on? I remember a concluding line from one of Sarat Chatterjee's short stories: the giant dinosaur has been extinct, but the cockroach is still living. But what kind of living is this! Sarat here has pointed to the boast about Sanatan Hindu Dharma that has been persecuting it's own people and is still surviving.  4. I am not sure if Islam or any other religion is in danger or not. But I am nervous about the fact that religions are in a race. I am nervous because this has the potential to make the world more divisive. I wish we all could keep religion confined to our spiritual life. Religion itself deserves more freedom and effort to internationalize it will bring more havoc for the world. Programs of advancement, prosperity, and liberation should be premised on poverty, illiteracy, exploitation, inequality, persecution, oppression, etc. among the humans in general. One way to achieve this is to decouple religion from politics.   From: qar <qrahman@netscape.net> To: mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2012 3:36 PM Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Bangladesh better than India and Pakistan !!   I am not sure what cave you have been living for past twenty years. With global jihad on march, country boundaries have become non relevant. If zealots can find any religious issue, people will cross the border and fight without even knowing what they are really fighting for. Only mantra they need is that "Islam is in danger". That is the reality. This is not in 70's, my friend. >>>>>>>>>> You probably forgot that, I AM a Muslim. I do mix with load of Muslims and non-Muslims. The "Islam is in danger" used to work during Pakistan era, they don't anymore. The fact is Islam is NOT in danger. Some Muslims occasionally are. As we are witnessing with the Rohingas and Kashmiries in our region. As far Islam is concern, it is the fastest growing faith in the world and growing fastest in the western world. Where no one can be forced and people are FREE to make up their minds about religion. Lastly, it is entirely possible I have some disagreement with you or other members. Why that "Disagreement" necessitates me to relocate in a CAVE??? If you are not a Muslim or do not have a university degree in Islam, try not to play "Islam expert" with me. It ain't Fox news. If you have an opinion, it would be helpful if you chose to share sources of your information. That would make your "Opinions" more credible. Not interested in petty personal attacks. Welcome mature discussion based on logic, knowledge and tolerance of each other. Shalom! -----Original Message----- From: Dev Saha <devsaha5@yahoo.com> To: qar <qrahman@netscape.net> Cc: mukto-mona <mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Sun, Jun 17, 2012 8:14 pm Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Bangladesh better than India and Pakistan !!   "As far as Indians helping Tamils in Sri Lanka was claimed by people of Sri Lanka." What would you expect? -Srilankans claiming Bangladeshis helping Tamils? "Occasionally I have seen few Pakistanis and Indians who really LIKE Bengalis but NEVER ahead of their own people!!" I am not sure what cave you have been living for past twenty years. With global jihad on march, country boundaries have become non relevant. If zealots can find any religious issue, people will cross the border and fight without even knowing what they are really fighting for. Only mantra they need is that "Islam is in danger". That is the reality. This is not in 70's, my friend. -Dev --- On Sun, 6/17/12, qar <qrahman@netscape.net> wrote: From: qar <qrahman@netscape.net> Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Bangladesh better than India and Pakistan !! To: devsaha5@yahoo.com Date: Sunday, June 17, 2012, 9:04 AM You must be joking! Ask BNP and Jamat cadres. The love is not lost yet. >>>>>>>>> I have known many Indians and Pakistanis in my life. However I cannot remember meeting anyone even proposing putting interest of Bangladesh ahead of their own respective countries. It makes me VERY sad when confront people from my own country who regularly put (OR propose to put) Indian or Pakistani interest ahead of ours. They also become advocate for these nations. Occasionally I have seen few Pakistanis and Indians who really LIKE Bengalis but NEVER ahead of their own people!! I do not know why we have so many Pakistani rajakars and Indian Rajakars among us? Our politicians compete to show their eagerness to serve their masters and rarely acknowledge the very people who voted them to power. I harbor no bad feelings for most Pakistanis or Indians and am treated fairly by both people most of the time. It seems like a lot of us have a lot of hate for a lot of people in their hearts. I do not think it is healthy... As far as Indians helping Tamils in Sri Lanka was claimed by people of Sri Lanka. If you know about Indian clandestine operational issues, I stand corrected. Generally such "Covert" operations are never publicly acknowledged by the state. But I feel since the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi congress did not encourage such "Help" for Tamil rebels. Shalom! -----Original Message----- From: Dev Saha <devsaha5@yahoo.com> To: mukto-mona <mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com> Cc: qrahman <qrahman@netscape.net> Sent: Sun, Jun 17, 2012 6:26 am Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Bangladesh better than India and Pakistan !! "For Bangladeshis (Assuming you are form BD) both Pakistan and India are FOREIGN countries." You must be joking! Ask BNP and Jamat cadres. The love is not lost yet. By the way, you are wrong about Indian support for Srilankan's Tamils. India did not like Prabhkaran at all for political reasons and hence it did not support the Tamil fight. If India wanted an autonomous Tamil land, it could have created one long time ago as it did with Bangladesh. Pakistan would have been no match again. India does not want an independent Tamil enclave at all! -Dev --- On Sat, 6/16/12, qar <qrahman@netscape.net> wrote: From: qar <qrahman@netscape.net> Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Bangladesh better than India and Pakistan !! To: mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com Date: Saturday, June 16, 2012, 3:28 PM   If these people belong to a different religion, our Bangladeshi border guards would have shot them on the first sight. >>>>>>>> IF that ever happened, it would still be WRONG!! I am not sure why so called "Secular" people are so willing to look everything via religious point of view? Had Rohingas were Christians, we still had a MORAL obligation NOT to send them to death camps. both Bangladeshis and Pakistanis were having orgasms because they were not Muslims. >>>>>>>> Maybe you are hanging out with perverts. Need to look for new people in your lives. Don't think the idea of innocent people being murdered can cause "Orgasm" in any "Ordinary" people. Pakistanis were rather aiding Srilankans with arms to wipe out the Tamil population. >>>>>>> Pakistanis are hell bent to go against Indians. Since Indian clandestine groups were actively supporting Tamil rebels, Pakistan chose to work with the government. Giving such "Half baked" pictures may mislead people. Unless misleading is your intention, kindly be fair to both India and Pakistan. For Bangladeshis (Assuming you are form BD) both Pakistan and India are FOREIGN countries. So, why this double standard from our part? >>>>>>>>>>>>> These double standards are NOT supported by religion (Source: Al Qur'an 5:8). However the west was openly biased against north Sudan (Muslim north). Again you are giving "Half" the information here. Why religious zealots can still burn minority houses in Shatkira and Nandigram on false blasphemy issues? >>>>>>> Ask our home ministry about it. BTW, both Muslim and Hindu houses were targeted. It was wrong to succumb to "Mob justice" but the wrath was not exclusively against one community. Muslims did protest quiet forcefully (We also discussed it here) against such abuse of religion. How would we like to be treated fairly when we do not treat other people fairly? >>>>>>>>  My friend, you can take the first step and start treating religious people fairly. So far most of your posts are VERY offensive against Islam and Muslims. The people, who  are crying for justice for Rohingas have no problem seeing our brothers and sisters of Chittagong Hill tracts being constantly harassed? >>>>>>>>>>> NOT true. The latest "Attack" on ethnic minorities came from our "Secular" government when they denied the "Indigenous" status of tribal people of hill tracts. No religious bodies said anything like that. How can we move forward when we harbor such demon in our hearts? >>>>>> Good point. It is easiest to remove own demon first before you go after other hearts. These people need to get along with their Burmese counterparts and integrate into that society rather than extend the Jamati hegemony on to the Burmese people. I am sure Burma is not a totally homogeneous country and other minorities should be able to do fine if they chose to do so. >>>>>>>>>> I have a feeling you do NOT know the history of the region that well. Please click here to read an article about history of "Arakan". Then you would not blame the victims here. FYI, the military regime of Myanmar also have conflict with other ethnic minorities who are not Muslims. Some of them took shelter in Thailand, Malaysia etc. Some say, it was fomented to make the environment more difficult for Ms. Kyi and to halt Myanmar's transition to democracy. Shalom! -----Original Message----- From: Shah Deeldar <shahdeeldar@yahoo.com> To: mukto-mona <mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com> Cc: qrahman <qrahman@netscape.net>; jnrsr53 <jnrsr53@yahoo.com>; Subimal Chakrabarty <subimal@yahoo.com>; bachchuhaq <bachchuhaq@yahoo.com>; bangladesh-progressives <bangladesh-progressives@googlegroups.com>; bishawdipta <bishawdipta@yahoo.com> Sent: Sat, Jun 16, 2012 7:13 am Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Bangladesh better than India and Pakistan !!   We know who are the true razakars of our time but with the political patronage, they have become far holier than our real fighters of 71. They were rehabilitated shamelessly because they went for BNP/Jamat camp for safety and refuge. As long as these people run the show, Bangladesh would not be able to go over the hump. If religious sentiment is to rule our life, it will be like one step forward leading to two steps backward. Whether Indians are secular or not, their constitution is secular and that would be a deciding factor for them and their future. So far, it has served them very well despite some hiccups. Even US is not a secular country but its constitution is secular and that is the model we should follow. If people want to put Quaran on the top of our constitution, we are doomed stay behind miles away from the other developing countries. God  never actively supported any country that were religious and went by the book. My two cents for Rohinga refugees: The problem is a political and religious nature. If these people belong to a different religion, our Bangladeshi border guards would have shot them on the first sight. Few years back, when Srilankan army was carrying out genocide on the Tamils, both Bangladeshis and Pakistanis were having orgasms because they were not Muslims. Pakistanis were rather aiding Srilankans with arms to wipe out the Tamil population. When North Sudanese were tormenting Southerners, no single condemnation came from any Arab country, let alone from OIC.  So, why this double standard from our part? Why religious zealots can still burn minority houses in Shatkira and Nandigram on false blasphemy issues? How would we like to be treated fairly when we do not treat other people fairly? The people, who  are crying for justice for Rohingas have no problem seeing our brothers and sisters of Chittagong Hill tracts being constantly harassed? How can we move forward when we harbor such demon in our hearts? I would not justify a stepmother like attitude towards the Rohingas. These people need to get along with their Burmese counterparts and integrate into that society rather than extend the Jamati hegemony on to the Burmese people. I am sure Burma is not a totally homogeneous country and other minorities should be able to do fine if they chose to do so. It is high time for Rohingas to get that message. Nobody would go for any safe heaven domain within Burma. That would open the Pandora's box! In such case, other minorities would demand exactly the same in some other Muslim countries as well. I do not think Muslim countries got that kind of stomach to deal with their own little secrets. With respect and regards, -SD   "All great truths begin as blasphemies." GBS From: qar <qrahman@netscape.net> To: mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2012 12:12 PM Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Bangladesh better than India and Pakistan !!   I do not think it would have been the case. Even if "Peace" could have been guaranteed by simply banning religious leaning organizations (Note I am talking about all organizations not just political parties), we would have done so. India is a "secular" democracy but it's people (Of all faiths) are not secular. Neither they want to be "Secular". People of Bangladesh are no different than people of India. We never had a sincere effort to list rajakars. As you said some Muktijoddas never received recognitions but corrupt people received certificate as freedom fighters. Then you have so called 16th division fighters (Those who joined the movement at the very end of our struggle). So there are many hypocrites among all groups of people. I was hoping at least the leaders among rajakars and those who helped raping our sisters should have been punished. Let us see how this goes... I do not blame BAL exclusively but common people are probably not demanding it strongly. Right now, I am really disturbed about how our neighbors Rohingas are being persecuted in their own land. As if I was watching pictures from 1971. My God!! The armed personnel lining up people and burning houses--- the whole deal. Sadly, we decided to push them to death and persecution as per government policy. At least we could become their "Advocate" to the rest of the world. We can organize regional meetings on this issue. It is not only a religious cause, it is a moral cause!! This will define who we are as people. Are we only satisfied with pointing fingers at Indians, Pakistanis, Saudis, Americans, Israelis, Iraqis etc or we are going to do our best to support innocent civilians from being persecuted. Why we cannot force UN to get a "safe zone" inside Myanman? I would request all advocates of human rights in this forum to do his/her level best to highlight these criminals in world stage. Make people aware of this persecution. Call the ambassador of Myanmar in the USA, UK and other countries and ask them to stop the persecution. If there is a problem, it can be solved via Bangladesh or UN. Why helpless innocent civilians have to pay the price over and over. This is not the first time these people were targeted. They have been targeted for ethnic cleansing many times. This is the right time to stand up for them. If we do not our little bit, no one will come to our aid IF we ever need a helping hand in future....... Shalom!  -----Original Message----- From: Jiten Roy <jnrsr53@yahoo.com> To: mukto-mona <mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Thu, Jun 14, 2012 5:53 am Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Bangladesh better than India and Pakistan !!   Bangladesh could have prospered unabated and become a peaceful country, like Nepal or Bali, if these simple steps were implemented right after the independence – 1) band politics with religion, 2) build a wall of shame for Razakars, and 3) deliver unprecedented punishment for corruption.   Now, Razakars have become 'Deshbondhu' and Muktijodhas have become 'Collaborators.' The blame goes to Awami League leadership. I have seen myself - they were confused about their secular identity, and could not support secularism whole-heartedly. Rest is history. Jiten Roy --- On Wed, 6/13/12, Muhammad Ali <man1k195709@yahoo.com> wrote: From: Muhammad Ali <man1k195709@yahoo.com> Subject: [mukto-mona] Bangladesh better than India and Pakistan !! To: Date: Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 4:51 PM   Bangladesh better than India and Pakistan !! মূল পাতা প্রথম পাতা  « পূর্ববর্তী সংবাদ ¦ শেয়ার পরবর্তী সংবাদ » ভারত-পাকিস্তানের চেয়ে শান্তিপূর্ণ বাংলাদেশ কালের কণ্ঠ ডেস্ক ভারত ও পাকিস্তানের চেয়ে বেশি শান্তিপূর্ণ দেশের মর্যাদা পেয়েছে বাংলাদেশ। সামগ্রিক অবস্থান গতবারের থেকে কয়েক ধাপ পেছালেও দক্ষিণ এশিয়ার মধ্যে বাংলাদেশের অবস্থান তৃতীয়। দক্ষিণ এশিয়ার দেশগুলোর মধ্যে প্রথম ও দ্বিতীয় অবস্থানে রয়েছে যথাক্রমে ভুটান ও নেপাল। গত মঙ্গলবার অস্ট্রেলিয়া ও যুক্তরাষ্ট্রভিত্তিক প্রতিষ্ঠান ইনস্টিটিউট ফর ইকোনমিক অ্যান্ড পিস (আইইপি) প্রকাশিত 'গ্লোবাল পিস ইনডেক্স (জিপিআই)-২০১২' শীর্ষক বার্ষিক গবেষণা প্রতিবেদনে এ কথা বলা হয়েছে। বিশ্বের ১৫৮টি দেশের অভ্যন্তরীণ ও আন্তর্জাতিক সংঘাত, সামাজিক নিরাপত্তা, সন্ত্রাসী তৎপরতা, রাজনৈতিক, অর্থনৈতিক এবং সাংস্কৃতিক কর্মকাণ্ডসহ ২৩টি বিষয়ের ভিত্তিতে এ গবেষণা কার্যক্রম পরিচালনা করা হয়। গবেষণা প্রতিবেদনে বলা হয়েছে, ক্ষুধা, সন্ত্রাস, কূটনৈতিক উত্তেজনা, সীমানা বিরোধ, যুদ্ধ, সহিংসতা সর্বোপরি অর্থনৈতিক মন্দা সত্ত্বেও পৃথিবী আগের চেয়ে শান্তিপূর্ণ হয়েছে। আর এবারের বার্ষিক সূচক বিশ্লেষণ করে দেখা যায়, ২০০৯ সালের তুলনায় বিশ্ব এখন অনেক বেশি শান্তিপূর্ণ। ২০১১ সাল থেকে এ বছরের চলতি সময় পর্যন্ত দক্ষিণ এশিয়ার শান্তিপূর্ণ দেশ হিসেবে ভারত ও পাকিস্তানকে পেছনে ফেলেছে বাংলাদেশ, নেপাল ও ভুটান। শান্তি সূচকে বাংলাদেশের অবস্থান ৯১তম আর ভারত ও পকিস্তানের অবস্থান যথাক্রমে ১৪২ ও ১৪৯তম। অন্যদিকে ভুটান ও নেপালের অবস্থান যথাক্রমে ১৯ ও ৮০তম। তবে গত বছরের তুলনায় বাংলাদেশের অবস্থানের কয়েক ধাপ অবনতি হয়েছে। গত ২০১০-১১ সালে এই সূচকে বাংলাদেশের অবস্থান ছিল ৮৩তম। এদিকে দক্ষিণ এশিয়ার সবচেয়ে অশান্তিপূর্ণ দেশ হিসেবে তালিকার একেবারে তলানিতে ঠেকেছে আফগানিস্তানের নাম। তাদের অবস্থান ১৫৭তম। গতবারের মতো এবারও বিশ্বের সবচেয়ে শান্তিপূর্ণ দেশের শীর্ষ অবস্থানটি ধরে রেখেছে আইসল্যান্ড। এর পরেই আছে যথাক্রমে ডেনমার্ক ও নিউজিল্যান্ড। এবারের তালিকায় সবচেয়ে উন্নতি করা দেশগুলোর মধ্যে আছে শ্রীলঙ্কা, জিম্বাবুয়ে, ভুটান, গায়ানা এবং ফিলিপাইন। বিশ্বের সবচেয়ে অশান্তির দেশ হিসেবে তালিকার সর্বশেষ অর্থাৎ ১৫৮তম অবস্থানটি দখল করেছে আফ্রিকার দেশ সোমালিয়া। এ ছাড়া তালিকার সবচেয়ে নিচের অন্য পাঁচটি দেশ যথাক্রমে আফগানিস্তান, সুদান, ইরাক, কঙ্গো ও রাশিয়া। অন্যদিকে অশান্তিপূর্ণ দেশ হিসেবে যাদের দুর্নাম হয়েছে তাদের শীর্ষে আছে সিরিয়া, মিসর, তিউনিসিয়া, ওমান ও মালাবি। ১৫৮টি দেশের মধ্যে গতবারের চেয়ে এবার সূচকে সবচেয়ে বেশি পতন হয়েছে সিরিয়ার। সাম্প্রতিক সহিংসতার কারণে ৩০ ধাপ পিছিয়ে তালিকায় দেশটির অবস্থান ১৪৭তম। এবারের তালিকায় যুক্তরাষ্ট্র ও যুক্তরাজ্যের অবস্থানও কিছুটা পিছিয়েছে। গতবারের চেয়ে ছয় ধাপ পিছিয়ে যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের অবস্থান ৮৮তম। আর অর্থনৈতিক সংকটে থাকা যুক্তরাজ্যের অবস্থান তিন ধাপ পিছিয়ে হয়েছে ২৯তম। ইনস্টিটিউট ফর ইকোনমিক অ্যান্ড পিসের (আইইপি) কর্মকর্তা স্টিভ কাইলি বলেন, এশিয়া-প্রশান্ত মহাসাগরীয় অঞ্চলে গত বছরের তুলনায় শান্তি বেড়েছে। আইইপির মতে, মধ্যপ্রাচ্যের দেশগুলোর মধ্যেই এখন সবচেয়ে বেশি অশান্তির আগুন জ্বলছে। সাম্প্রতিক সময়ের সহিংসতা ও অস্থিরতার কারণে দেশগুলো সন্তোষজনকভাবে শান্তিপূর্ণ থাকতে পারেনি। সূত্র : গার্ডিয়ান ও টাইমস অব ইন্ডিয়া অনলাইন।

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Mukto Mona plans for a Grand Darwin Day Celebration: 
Call For Articles:

http://mukto-mona.com/wordpress/?p=68

http://mukto-mona.com/banga_blog/?p=585

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