Editorial

We laud PM’s stand
Religion is not for politics

The Prime Minister has made it abundantly clear that her government will not declare the Ahmadyya sect as non-Muslim, a demand for which has been lately hyped by a group of zealots. The bold decision on the part of the government goes down well both at home and abroad. We welcome the government’s stand on the issue. This undoubtedly is what the true spirit of Islam is about. The hardline attitude taken by the fanatics against the sect is pure obscurantism. We think those using the kind of regressive slogans against any sect and trying to impose their vicious will on others are no friends of Islam.

What the government has determined in its best judgement is fully in consonance with our democratic norms, constitutional principles and the traditions and heritage of the country. It makes a very substantial point about constitutional propriety, democratic ethos, and not the just the heritage of Islam, but also that of Bangladesh itself. People of different religious faiths and sects have been living in harmony in our society for years together. We are proud of this tradition and cannot countenance any break with it.

It is learnt that those who do not look kindly on the government’s decision are contemplating to invite some clerics from other Muslim countries to make an issue of it. In the process, they might try to fan dissention in society. We strongly suggest the government take precautions against any such machination.