Allah/Khoda Hafez
SN Mamoon, Dhaka
This is in reference to the letter "Allah Hafez" by Moniruddun Ahmed. Traditions and customs are the basis of most of our behaviours, interpersonal interactions as well as laws. We never heard the word 'Allah Hafez" spoken as a parting salutation in British, Pakistani and early Bangladesh period. On the contrary, 'Khoda Hafez' was very much in vogue. Interestingly, the word 'Allah Hafez" was coined during the regime of bigot General Ziaul Huq of Pakistan and it was enthusiastically picked up by Islamic zealots, Wahabis and their likes in Bangladesh. As some of our past rulers were more than eager to show solidarity with the Pakistani regime as well as please them, they accorded 'Allah Hafez' official recognition. Although 'Allah Hafez' is Arabic, grammatically correct, it was never a part of our culture or tradition. Deviating from certain traditions is obviously not necessary.
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