There are two important basic issues. Secularism is included in Islam, the last perfected, simplified, practical religion, and it is not necessary to point it out separately (tolerance and patience).

Secondly, the vast majority of 140 million people live in the villages, around the poverty level; hence political technicalities and hair-splitting do not attract much attention of the majority of the voters; who look forward to a better simple life, to start with. If the base or foundation is good and solid, the structures and superstructures would take care of itself.

In Dhaka, the party comes first, then the nation (political ego and charisma). The two major parties were monopolising politics so long; hence it is a relief that a third group have started challenging the set syndromes. Politics must have fluidity for dynamic survival. Closed minds in public service are dangerous; they cause more harm than push development in the right paths.

Now religion has entered politics (all over the world), hence the perspectives have changed; and these have to be recognised by the fossilised political leaders, regardless of affiliations and polarities. What is regrettable is the use of violence in religious campaigns. Islam never supports force and coercion. The Muslims ruled non-Muslim India for several centuries, without forced conversions and use of threats or intimidations. A religion (any religion) is more a medium than a message; and the Supreme Creator is one, regardless of local names; (to reach Mt Everest, for example, the explorer could travel clockwise or anticlockwise, and reach the same goal).