Combating Islamic fundamentalism

. PHOTO: AFP

Attack on the Ahmadiyyas by the religious fundamentalists has been on the rise since the BNP led coalition came to power. As of today, there have been tons of reports in local and international media about the spread of religious fundamentalism in Bangladesh. In rare cases, the government banned the activities of some organisations; but in reality they seemed to be active in disguise.

Reference could be made as observed by Mr. Abul Barakat, Professor of Economics, Dhaka University in his study: Radicals run bodies fetch Tk. 12 billion a year. Thanks to Professor Barakat for choosing such a complex, enormous, and sensitive subject to work on. Once again, his valued data dictates that we must uproot religious fundamentalism, Islamic fundamentalism in particular, on an emergency basis.

In the latest incident, it has been claimed that Satkhira calmed down following the administration's intervention. The question remains, for how long? In numerous times in the past, the government administration consoled the Ahmadiyyas that they were taking stern action against the culprits. A repetition of such heinous attacks could be avoided if they really meant what they said.

Concern expressed by the US Ambassador, Harry K Thomas, on this issue could be seen as a gesture of goodwill and friendship; otherwise who cares about the internal affairs of a country? For our own interest, we must contain fundamentalism with an iron hand. US expertise to combat fundamentalism could be solicited since we are failing to dig them out.

Undoubtedly, Islam has no room for fundamentalism. Thus, those who are involved in fundamentalism are not only hypocrites, but they also misinterpret the teachings of Islam and that of the Holy Qur'an for their own sake.

Given below are some suggestions in order to reduce the spread of Islamic fundamentalism. The government's relevant department (s) may consider incorporating some of those ideas in their planning and intervention in order to combat Islamic fundamentalism in Bangladesh on a long-term basis.

1.The government must recognise the existence/activities of various fundamentalist groups in the country.

2.Give them general amnesty if they surrender.

3.Rehabilitate/integrate them with the mainstream economic activities;

4.Ban organisations/groups involved in fundamentalism, seize their bank accounts, property, etc.

5.Unveil their godfathers/high command and bring them to books. The decision makers can think in terms of taking many other steps to deal with the rise of the fundamentalists.

The government has a commitment to upholding people's rights, including that of the Ahmadiyyas in Bangladesh.