Is secularism impossible in fanatic-prone Bangladesh?

From 1972 to 2015, many ups an downs have taken place during this time that contradict with the country’s constitution, laws and social culture. Yet, such extremists activities, especially regarding religion, have been continuing — thanks to the pro-Islamic state mechanism.

The incumbent Awami League-led government the top leader of which introduced secularism after the independence in 1972 reinstated it in 2011. It’s clear that the BNP don’t wanna see secularism as most of its allies are Islamist parties and groups that patronise militancy and communal attacks.

Even though AL did a good job by inserting secularism in the constitution, it doesn’t mean anything when the constitution still says Islam is the state religion and allows religion-based politics. Moreover, the legal battle against the state religion provision has been shelved — deliberately by the government — for over a decade sensing that it may give rise to stir among the radical Muslims!

The consequence is evident — rise of extremism and militancy, and murders of more and more secular voices. Latest victim of the Islamists was blogger and science researcher Dr Avijit Roy — one of the prominent secular activists who lived in the US but came to Dhaka to attend the launching of his two new books despite being threatened to be killed.

In 2013, alarmingly, millions of Muslims en masse expressed solidarity with Hefazat-e-Islam — the radical platform of Islamist parties and groups. Some of its top leaders are even linked to al-Qaeda. They all want to establish an Islamic state here.

Well, statistics say Muslims have outnumbered the majority Hindus in the last 100 years, and now account for over 90% of the total population. This information coupled with the state religion provision and religion-based politics, emerged with war criminal Jamaat-e-Islami, are inspiring more and more Muslims to become violent and extend their supremacy.

Their efforts in no way are peaceful — in contrary with what the religion like others promote.

As a member of a non-Muslim community, I can only say “Sigh” and wait for a miracle.