“Minority Islam” in Muslim Majority Bangladesh: The Violent Road

[BanglaBhoot]

“Minority Islam” in Muslim Majority Bangladesh: The Violent Road to a New Brand of Secularism

Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, Vol. 31, No. 1, March 2011

MD SAIDUL ISLAM

Abstract

More than 85% of Bangladesh’s 150 million people are Muslims. Bangladesh earns its title as “the third largest Muslim country of the world” following Indonesia and Pakistan because of its enormous size of Muslim population. Their religion, Islam, is however becoming a “minority” day by day. While Muslims in the West—in spite of being a minority—are enjoying their basic religious freedom, this basic right is increasingly being denied to the Muslims in Bangladesh while it continues to aspire to become a “uniquely secular” society. Based on a robust content analysis and interviews, the study shows that the current regime in Bangladesh has taken on a comprehensive policy of secularization with an aim to emasculate Islamic influence from political and social landscape of Bangladesh. Apart from undermining basic religious freedom of Muslims, the policy—which turns out to be both aggressive and violent—is increasingly becoming hostile to democratic principles, rule of law, freedom of movement, and political pluralism.


FULL ARTICLE –

DeshCalling: “Minority Islam” in Muslim Majority Bangladesh: The Violent Road to a New Brand of Secularism

 

[King123]

Most of the Indian Hindus think India is an Anti-Hindu state and more privileges are given to Muslims. Secularization is more to do with removing the religious things from the country. Is this work ? Well, worked in India. In India, Hindu temples are managed by Atheist. Vande Matram is not as national anthem because Muslims opposed it. More Freedom to Muslims in religious activities. 10 things happens against Hindus but government do nothing. But 1 voice from Muslims and government start working on that.

In Turkey, 95%+ are Muslims but Turkey is secular country and doing very well.

In USA, 95%+ are Christians but USA is secular country and did well in last 100 years.

In Japan, 80%+ people are Atheist and just follow Karmas of Buddhism. Government supported Atheism and Japan is most developed nation in the world. China and Russia too.

Red - State with no state religion.
Yellow - State with state religion.
Grey - Moderate religious state.

Even in above state religion category, Most of the countries are Secular except Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, KSA, etc. Iran and KSA hate each other and both have Crude/N. gas. What Bangladesh want to become ? Pakistan ? If religion is not important for government, Then it's good for Bangladesh. Just my personal opinion. By the way, Bangladesh is already moderate religious state which makes in somewhat in religious state category. Why Secular state is followed in 90% world ?

Historically, Secular country did much better than religious state. Many examples are there. One should be happy with Secularization as it helps country in long term (reduces religious conflict and increase nationalism among all people and focus also increase in economy)

 

[BanglaBhoot]

Most of the Indian Hindus think India is an Anti-Hindu state and more privileges are given to Muslims. Secularization is more to do with removing the religious things from the country. Is this work ? Well, worked in India. In India, Hindu temples are managed by Atheist. Vande Matram is not as national anthem because Muslims opposed it. More Freedom to Muslims in religious activities. 10 things happens against Hindus but government do nothing. But 1 voice from Muslims and government start working on that.

In Turkey, 95%+ are Muslims but Turkey is secular country and doing very well.

In USA, 95%+ are Christians but USA is secular country and did well in last 100 years.

In Japan, 80%+ people are Atheist and just follow Karmas of Buddhism. Government supported Atheism and Japan is most developed nation in the world. China and Russia too.

Red - State with no state religion.
Yellow - State with state religion.
Grey - Moderate religious state.

Even in above state religion category, Most of the countries are Secular except Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, KSA, etc. Iran and KSA hate each other and both have Crude/N. gas. What Bangladesh want to become ? Pakistan ? If religion is not important for government, Then it's good for Bangladesh. Just my personal opinion. By the way, Bangladesh is already moderate religious state which makes in somewhat in religious state category. Why Secular state is followed in 90% world ?

Historically, Secular country did much better than religious state. Many examples are there. One should be happy with Secularization as it helps country in long term (reduces religious conflict and increase nationalism among all people and focus also increase in economy)

The article is about the manner in which secularism is being imposed.

 

[King123]

The article is about the manner in which secularism is being imposed.

Bangladesh is already moderate Islamic state. If Secularization is done, then it's good in long term. If it made sense, then it makes sense. Yes, There will be 20% who will say "We want complete Religious state". Even in India, 5% people says we want "Hindu Rashtra" but will it happen ?? NO. Even BJP want secular state to continue. Reason simple, Few might have to compromise on religious activities but at end, Country is known for it's achievement, Economy,etc. Religion should not be part of state, It effects a lot. See Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan, why Turkey is different than these 3? All 4 countries have Muslims as 98% population, i suppose. We have better relation with Turkey, Iran and Turkey vis-a-vis Pakistan. You know why ? Religion doesn't make any difference in state affair.

You should be happy, If government makes everything as Secular. It will help country in long run. Bangladesh is still not affected with terrorism and fundamentalist activist. Do you want that ?

 

[BanglaBhoot]

Bangladesh is already moderate Islamic state. If Secularization is done, then it's good in long term. If it made sense, then it makes sense. Yes, There will be 20% who will say "We want complete Religious state". Even in India, 5% people says we want "Hindu Rashtra" but will it happen ?? NO. Even BJP want secular state to continue. Reason simple, Few might have to compromise on religious activities but at end, Country is known for it's achievement, Economy,etc. Religion should not be part of state, It effects a lot. See Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan, why Turkey is different than these 3? All 4 countries have Muslims as 98% population, i suppose. We have better relation with Turkey, Iran and Turkey vis-a-vis Pakistan. You know why ? Religion doesn't make any difference in state affair.

You should be happy, If government makes everything as Secular. It will help country in long run. Bangladesh is still not affected with terrorism and fundamentalist activist. Do you want that ?

I am very secular in outlook but I find the attitude of the present government to be extreme and harmful to the country.

 

[lonelyone]

The problem comes when a secular government in a Muslim majority nation puts its secular ideology above its duty to the nation and makes deals to purposefully weaken the (Muslim majority) nation, in order to relatively strengthen other secular nations, as what is happening in BD.

---------- Post added at 11:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:40 PM ----------

And also Turkey's economic miracle has been fully driven by very religious "Anatolian Tigers" -- religious men who started industries, and it really took off when the AK Party came to power.

---------- Post added at 11:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:43 PM ----------

And also Turkey's economic miracle has been fully driven by very religious "Anatolian Tigers" -- religious men who started industries, and it really took off when the AK Party came to power.

Oh, and also, Turkey claims to be secular but it directly funds the official, "Turkish Sunni Hanafi" Islam through its religious affaris ministry. As far as Turkey is concerned, you must be a Muslim Turk otherwise you are not loyal to Turkey(This is not official of course, but just the common man's perception).

 

[nForce]

copy and paste the article you are talking about.

 

[Zabaniyah]

Jeez...I don't know.

I mean...

The current government has a terrible human rights record.

Lets see...

A lawyer was tortured to death.

People disappear for no reason.

A butchered boy's murderers are still running free.

An imam's son was kidnapped by God knows who.

Need I go on?

Yes, Bangladesh was founded on secular principles. But that doesn't mean voices of religious people can be shut out. And certainly violence is no answer to anything. That's not how a democracy works.

Gotta love the AL's version of 'democracy'.

 

[M_Saint]

Jeez...I don't know.

I mean...

The current government has a terrible human rights record.

Lets see...

A lawyer was tortured to death.

People disappear for no reason.

A butchered boy's murderers are still running free.

An imam's son was kidnapped by God knows who.

Need I go on?

Yes, Bangladesh was founded on secular principles. But that doesn't mean voices of religious people can be shut out. And certainly violence is no answer to anything. That's not how a democracy works.

Gotta love the AL's version of 'democracy'.

Yes, Bangladesh was founded on secular principles. But that doesn't mean voices of religious people can be shut out. And certainly violence is no answer to anything. That's not how a democracy works.

Nope! Bangladesh was founded on 'Creative Chaos'/'Force and Deception', in which language movement, Bhasani's participation in election under Jukta Front, giving birth of 'Awamy League', Indian IB's recruitment of DU's student leaders, six points and Agartala conspiracy contributed its parts. None of those events was conflicting with Islam, although active forces that worked on it were 'Bengali Nationalists', who happened to play on Bharati and other anti-Islamic entity's hands.

Now coming back to the topic, M. Shahidul Alam touched almost all relevance-occurrences to construct that article and bravely pointed out that 'Victor Justice' would be meted to BJI leaders
(Would be glad if righteous's struggle thwarts it), who not only were immune from the war- crime charges but also established themselves as model of honesty.

 

[Maira La]

I suggest we focus on our economy instead of this useless secularism vs religious statehood debate. AL should leave the constitution as it is instead of instigating unnecessary civil unrest. Like Jamat, they use such issues to fetch votes from a particular group of voters.

 

[M_Saint]

I suggest we focus on our economy instead of this useless secularism vs religious statehood debate. AL should leave the constitution as it is instead of instigating unnecessary civil unrest. Like Jamat, they use such issues to fetch votes from a particular group of voters.

Agreeing with the core of your suggestion, I would like to point out that BD would never be an economic power house as long as hegemonic India is there. I know it's disheartening but truth must be revealed at no matter how bitter it tests! A readymade example is that a very stable macro-economy getting evaporated under RAWAMY thuggers within 3.5 yrs. and it's not the first time; in around 1997-2000 and from 72 onward to 75 same thing happened too. Secondly, RAWAMYS have track record to go after industrialists, back tracking from the blossoming of industrialization that perfectly falls into Bharati plan to keep us subservient and poor. Example of it is taking subsidies out of businesses; not providing easy loan, so entrepreneurship culture doesn't take root and artificially giving rise of share market later to loot it. Every single of such act falls in Indian master plan to keep us as slave of hinter land. And in the makeup of a new world order, India has been handed free license to carry bully's stick as 'Head of regional economy' of centralized GOVT. of global economy. Scary, isn't it? Would be interesting to know that BAL's push for newish BAKSHALI GOVT. also falls into this plan. If IND and global conspirator succeed then the BD would be more exploitative, its inhabitant would be treated as guinea pigs. Time for collective brain storm on how to thwart it. I think the first step would be to unseat stooge BALERS.

 

[BanglaBhoot]

I suggest we focus on our economy instead of this useless secularism vs religious statehood debate. AL should leave the constitution as it is instead of instigating unnecessary civil unrest. Like Jamat, they use such issues to fetch votes from a particular group of voters.

Unfortunately the issue is not useless as it is an ongoing controversy in Bangladesh perpetrated by AL and their Indian backers. We cannot close our eyes to actual incidents and events.

 

[BanglaBhoot]

Agreeing with the core of your suggestion, I would like to point out that BD would never be an economic power house as long as hegemonic India is there. I know it's disheartening but truth must be revealed at no matter how bitter it tests! A readymade example is that a very stable macro-economy getting evaporated under RAWAMY thuggers within 3.5 yrs. and it's not the first time; in around 1997-2000 and from 72 onward to 75 same thing happened too. Secondly, RAWAMYS have track record to go after industrialists, back tracking from the blossoming of industrialization that perfectly falls into Bharati plan to keep us subservient and poor. Example of it is taking subsidies out of businesses; not providing easy loan, so entrepreneurship culture doesn't take root and artificially giving rise of share market later to loot it. Every single of such act falls in Indian master plan to keep us as slave of hinter land. And in the makeup of a new world order, India has been handed free license to carry bully's stick as 'Head of regional economy' of centralized GOVT. of global economy. Scary, isn't it? Would be interesting to know that BAL's push for newish BAKSHALI GOVT. also falls into this plan. If IND and global conspirator succeed then the BD would be more exploitative, its inhabitant would be treated as guinea pigs. Time for collective brain storm on how to thwart it. I think the first step would be to unseat stooge BALERS.

In 1972 the AL attacked the jute industry this time its the banks and stock market.

 

[BanglaBhoot]

Some Indians have put the article up on facebook. Not sure what they are trying to prove.

 

[livingdead]

I have already heard this perpetual victimhood of majority from RSSwallahs. Impressive arguments with some truth here and there but mostly lies.
I hope bangladesh case is different.