Islamic cricket?

Cover the knees, as a devout Muslim? Ok, do it, but what is wrong with the long, standard trousers? And the shirt has to be that long, reaching beyond the knees and just above the ankles (like the ladies' kurta)? Why the loongie cannot be discarded for a while, as it is not suitable for dynamic athletic movements? What is the attitude of the holy teachers who control these boys? It should be explained to gain public support (of the majority of Muslims).

What is the relation of clothes or uniforms to religion? Cover your body in a decent manner, that's all. It is a perturbing sign to find regimentation creeping inside rejuvenated religious practices and mores. Why all ordinary folks have to carry religious flags, symbols or icons outwardly, all the time? The root of religion is inside, and no propaganda or undue publicity (to attract attention) is necessary. It is not necessary to know the religion of a good, normal person. Godless communism failed, for obvious reasons the divine Creator was ignored. Why individuals have to reveal their religion, in and out of season? Judge them by their behaviour and attitude.

What has happened to the philosophy of the Golden Mean? It is sad to note that these days some groups are trying to establish that they are better Muslims! What is more annoying is that the medium of politics is being increasingly used to drive home the point. There were two relevant commentaries in the editorial page of The Daily Star of April 22; which included the mindset of a section of Americans led by President Bush. Hence the trend is global. What steps to take in Bangladesh? Why not discuss it openly?

It appears that politics is going through a holy and spiritual bath, which condones what should be condemned. It is a dangerous mixing of the head (politics) and the heart (religion). The vast majority of the masses (ordinary citizens in all countries) would be confused at this religious autocracy. Why an individual has to be ordered or threatened to be oriented in a certain way when approaching God? The personal relation has to be established first, before public performances are accorded approval by the uncontrolled breeding of different types of 'authorities'. The term zealot is noticed more and more in public utterances. Who are the arbitrators?

Our politics is in a shambles; and now eerie religious fatwas are being showered right and left. Who are the regulators, and where are they?