"Hindu extremism"

I must say I am deeply troubled by this kind of lecture from people who do not have any idea how difficult it is to be a Bangladeshi minority.

If we could get the real scoop of BDR-BSF fighting along the border, we should be able to take a stand.

But, as of now, only information that we have is the BDR version of the events with no independent agency verifying the facts. We can't question BDR version because that would be unpatriotic. Mr. Mujib should know that border tensions are intentionally created and used by both countries to score political points.

These border guards are merely pawns of the governments and they serve their masters. Mr. Mujib can think what he pleases but as a responsible citizen, I would not give a free pass to any government or authority with non-verifiable facts.

With regard to Hindu fundamentalists of India, Indian democratic institutions are strong enough to withstand their activities. Pluralism and secularism are in work whether Mr. Mujib wants see it or not. It may not be perfect but Indians are at least trying to keep religion out of politics. Needless to say there is a Sikh and a Muslim right at the top of that democracy!

It is sad that we have not made much progress after all these years of independence. We are still treated as foreigners in our own country. The idea of crossing the border to become a refugee in a foreign land is not very attractive and not a good option for minorities!