Calling a country an "Islamic republic" involves MUCH more than simply changing labels. Islam stresses a lot about our RESPONSIBILITIES over our rights. So far I have not seen leaders capable to handle this responsibility. Also it will require a lot of education of main stream public. To be fair, I have not seen much noise to make our country as "Islamic republic". Only saw screams about slander and libel hurled against our beloved prophet (PBUH).
As far as why some people want to start a "Long march" to Dhaka, I am clueless about it. I do not know anyone who is part of the group. The closest one (I have access to) withdrew himself from it. In fact, she openly asked people NOT to attack non-Muslims of our country (During Friday sermon before jumma). I happened to agree with such statement.
You need to find someone who is marching towards Dhaka and ask him about the details.
Do they want to demonstrate that this is a country of Muslims only ?
>>>>>>>>>> It is apparent there are some serious "Trust deficit" among Hindus and Muslims (In the whole sub-continent and Bangladesh). However I have NEVER heard of any such demands. Personally whenever I spell any bigotry from people, I openly oppose it as a act of personal responsibility.
May I remind you sir, that Bangladesh still is a Secular democratic country even under the present constitution, which only Incorporated Autocratic Ershad's idea that Islam is a state religion of Bangladesh.
>>>>>>>>>> I am aware of that fact Sir. Just want to add that, over many years I am yet to met even ONE Muslim from Bangladesh who feels Ershad ever carried interest of Islam in Bangladesh. Like General Zia of Pakistan (Who formally turned secular Pakistan into an Islamic republic) he sued a religious label to score some political points (As per my observation). I ALSO feel by changing the label there was NO qualitative change in how Bangladesh is govern. We are still our secular legal system and no overwhelming preference can be traced on behalf of any religion over others.
The State is a political entity, how such a neutral entity can practise any religion, unless you want to be-fool us ?
>>>>>>>>>> ( Not lecturing you but reminding you) There is a concept of a religious state in Islam. HOWEVER it requires a state assume a lot of responsibility for it's citizens protection, well being etc and we are far away from such a concept.
I feel we badly need a "Value driven leader", who is live by his/her professed ideals. I see too much compromise on every front.
I hope you did not misunderstand me about my opinions about bloggers. In every civilized/developed country they support free speech and have laws against libel, slander and "hate-speech". In the USA, there are organizations like ADL (Anti-defimation league), NAACP, CAIR etc who speak up against hate speech. There are legal organizations who works to protect legal right of citizens (When others challenges them).
Based on my experience in "Mukto-mona", we have to evolve. Both pro-religious groups and anti-religious groups have to learn about limits of free speech and need to strongly shun hate-speech. Our existing laws can take care of slander and libel issues.
As long 'Collective social welfare/harmony" remains a priority to our leadership, we'll be fine.
May peace be unto you/Shalom!
From: Ajoy Roy <roya_k2003@yahoo.com>
To: mukto-mona <mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thu, Apr 4, 2013 4:44 am
Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Serious Warning to Mukta-mona members
Dear Sir,
Thanks for your advice. I know what I should write or I what I should not. My main worry is that recent activities of some Islamic activists including Jamat-Sibir workers are out to make this country a 'Islamic Republic' one. Tell me sir, what is the need of long march of some Alems and Molanas of Chittagong to Dhaka from Chittagong. What they want to show ? Do they want to demonstrate that this is a country of Muslims only ? May I remind you sir, that Bangladesh still is a Secular democratic country even under the present constitution, which only Incorporated Autocratic Ershad's idea that Islam is a state religion of Bangladesh. The concept of State religion I have never understood, and will never. The State is a political entity, how such a neutral entity can practise any religion, unless you want to be-fool us ?
Regards,
Ajoy Roy
one who belives in secularism and liberal democracy
--- On Tue, 2/4/13, QR <qrahman@netscape.net> wrote:
From: QR <qrahman@netscape.net>
Subject: Re: [mukto-mona] Serious Warning to Mukta-mona members
To: mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, 2 April, 2013, 10:15 AM
I do not think speaking up against abuse of religion will cause any problem. However slander and libels against public figures should not be encouraged.
While I do strongly support freedom of speech, freedom of expression etc, do understand even most advanced countries DO put some limits to such expression (for public interest/safety).
It is unfortunate that, government was motivated (by political movement) to take action against certain "bloggers", do understand bloggers have some responsibilities as well. It is a new "Culture" of Bangladesh and with time we'll learn how far we can go.
If there is a problem with Jammat/Shibir, please speak your mind. But it is too much to expect that, Muslim, Hindus or Christians of Bangladesh will embrace insulting their religion, religious figures or practices.
If anyone tries to convince you people can get away doing such thing in some other countries, there is a good chance they never lived in those countries.
I hope we'll pass this challenging time with less violence. I look forward to the day, when people can discuss difficult topics without resorting to violence, insults and chaos.
May peace be unto you.
From: Ajoy Roy <roya_k2003@yahoo.com>
To: Mukto-mona - <mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tue, Apr 2, 2013 4:12 am
Subject: [mukto-mona] Serious Warning to Mukta-mona members
Dear Members,
All liberal minded intelligentsia of Bangladesh especially who are writing on any topics against communalism, oppression on Hindus and women are now the target of the Mullahs of all kinds. Making a false allegation that bloggers are irreligious the communal force of all kinds, not only Jamat and Sibir are out to destroy them. They including BNP leader Begum Khaleda Zia termed Sahbag Gana Jagaran Mancha as 'nastik. In fact Mullahs got afraid of the the emerging force of new secular force arsing out of the message of Shahbag Samabesh.
The recent publication of 84 bloggers by an interested Islamic group terming them as 'nastic' is the index of their master plan to eliminate the secular, liberal democratic and free thinking people from the soil of Bangladesh.
I appeal to honourable PM Sheikh Hasina, and more particularly to Home Minister Janab Mahiuddin Alamgir not to be swayed away by the mischievous propaganda. Bloggers are by and large secular, democrat and free thinkers. We must not destroy such a force from our soil.
Ajoy Roy
One who believes in free thinking, secularism and liberal democracy
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Thursday, April 4, 2013
Re: [mukto-mona] Serious Warning to Mukta-mona members
My main worry is that recent activities of some Islamic activists including Jamat-Sibir workers are out to make this country a 'Islamic Republic' one. Tell me sir, what is the need of long march of some Alems and Molanas of Chittagong to Dhaka from Chittagong.
>>>>>>>>>>> I do not feel our country is ready to become "Islamic republic". If anyone try to use force to turn it into an "Islamic republic", there will be strong opposition.
-----Original Message-----
Dear respected Ajoy Roy,
-----Original Message-----
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