Fanatics in politics
Bangladesh has been praised for her non-communal approach so far all over the world. Although the term "secularism" is not mentioned in our constitution, it guarantees that every citizen of any religious faith has equality before the law and enjoys the freedom to profess his or her religious belief. And for a long time different communities have been co-existing in this country and following their religions without any inhibition. But with the religious fanatics finding a place in the coalition government,secular people( not anti-religion) along with minor communities are gripped by a sense of insecurity as the fanatics are trying to dominate the political scene. Since Muslims are a large majority in Bangladesh, more or less every major political party has used 'Islam' in order to consolidate its position in the political arena. And there are quite a few religion-based political parties in the country which have their own agenda.
People in general do not believe in religion being used as a political weapon. Now the question is how the Jamaat-e-Islami could reach the position that it enjoys now. It is because of constant failures of the major liberal political parties like the Awami league and the BNP.
Despite having a neutral outlook, the parties could not serve the interests of masses. They have created the opportunity for the religious extremists to have a position in politics which they do not deserve and which can only invite trouble for the nation as a whole.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. So we must remain alert and should not allow the fanatics to have any further leeway in politics.