Bangladesh is now completely under the grip of radical Islamic organizations. It is clear from every decision from Bangladesh’s rule to administration that only Islamic laws are being followed there and words like democracy and secularism are left only for decoration. Although Islamic laws were still fine, but now Bangladesh is trying to grow on the path of Afghanistan which is a sign of great danger. Let us tell you that as part of the latest action of fundamentalists in Bangladesh, Mufti Syed Mohammad Faizul Karim, the top leader of the organization called Jamaat-e-Char Monai, has made an open announcement that his organization wants to convert Bangladesh into an Islamic state on the lines of Taliban-Shaded Afghanistan. This statement is not only an attack on Bangladesh’s secularism, but also indicates growing radical emergence in South Asia.
Let us tell you that in an interview given to Khalid Muhiuddin, a US -based Bangladeshi journalist and editor of ‘Thikana News’ on 1 July, Mufti Faizul Karim said that if we come to power after winning the election, we will implement Sharia law and the system will be like Afghanistan. His statement directly challenges Bangladesh’s current constitutional system. Let us tell you that the Taliban governance of Afghanistan is known worldwide for the oppression of minorities, women and disagreement. Promotion of that model in Bangladesh is only to provide validity to religious fanaticism.
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To make his staunch agenda soft, Karim also said that Hindu minorities will be given rights under Sharia. But this statement is not only unclear, but also under the circle of deep doubt, as the basic structure of Sharia law is completely opposite to secularism and equal civil rights. Let us also tell you that such efforts have been seen earlier in the history of Bangladesh when minorities faced pressure in the name of ‘religious tolerance’.
Let us tell you that Bangladesh found independence from Pakistan in 1971 under the idea that it would be a secular nation where all religions will get equal freedom. But the rhetoric of organizations like Jamaat-Char Moni not only denys this basic idea, but also tries to bring Islamic fundamentalism to power through democratic means.
If seen, South Asia is already facing the brunt of Islamic fundamentalism in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan. Now if the same virus spreads in Bangladesh, it will not only endanger regional peace, but will also become a security challenge for the entire subcontinent including India. If Bangladesh, a 4,096 km long border with India, grows on the Taliban path, it can cause many problems such as cross -border terrorism, refugee crisis and communal tension.
However, it is a matter of deep concern for organizations like Jamaat-Chara Moni to be politically active and openly advocating Taliban rule. This is a challenge not only for Bangladesh, but for the stability of the entire South Asia. The people of Bangladesh and the democratic institutions of Bangladesh will have to be conscious of this ideological attack and protect the foundation of secularism on which their country was built.