Thanking SAPUFC
I would like to extend my gratitude to the SAPUFC and the other organisations along with the police forces that defended the Ahmadiyya mosque on August 27. They stayed true to their pledge and supported the Ahmadiyyas and showed that Bangladesh is a country where religious differences can be tolerated and people have the right to exercise their beliefs. The Ahmadiyyas of Bangladesh are lucky to have the support of such brave men and women; they not only spoke against the bigots but stood up to them when the time demanded such action. They did not remain on the sidelines waiting for the government to take a step, believing it was its duty to act first.
All of these people are citizens of the same country and the SAPUFC and its allies showed that if they stand united they can overcome any obstacle.
The Dhakabakhshi leaders wanted all "real Muslims" to gather on August 27 to bring down the Ahmadiyya mosque. Well we certainly did get a gathering of people that day to defend the sanctity of the mosque and its worshippers. But it was not the mullahs; in fact they could not even come close to their target.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. I hope that the strength shown by all the anti-fundamentalist groups continue to grow; that people do not live in fear of such zealots who believe that they control their fates.