Editorial
Ahmadiyyas under attack again
High time for the government to act
ATTEMPTS by Islamic bigots to pierce through a police cordon and attack Nirala Ahmadiyya mosque complex in Khulna can only be described as another despicable act against the sensibilities of a religious minority. They were not only violating the law of the land and the Constitution but also taking religion into their hands as its self-appointed guardian. This is a prime example of religious and sectarian intolerance raising its head by default. The chairman of Islami Oikya Jote, a ruling alliance partner even went to the extent of issuing an ultimatum in public that Ahmadiyyas should be declared non-Muslims immediately if the government wants to stay in power.
This was a direct provocation to incitement of anti-Ahmadiyya emotions that can be trifled with only to the peril of societal peace and stability. According to reports they even most arrogantly demanded an amendment to the Constitution. We have repeatedly condemned such attempts at violating any segment of the citizens rights to practicising their own faith. In fact this was just the continuation of the events that have been taking place ever since Ahmadiyyas came under systematic attack all around the country.
Had the Ahmadiyya publications been not proscribed in the first place, the Khatme Nabuat elements would not have got the leeway to do what the are doing today. We wouldnt have seen the repetition of scenes where the basic fundamental rights of a religious minority have been trampled. This is a worrying sign that must be eliminated for Bangladesh to retain its image of being a moderate Muslim country.
Source: http://www.thedailystar.net/2004/08/16/d40816020228.htm
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