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March 7, 2004 

Controversy over secularism
In the February 15th, 2004 Law Letter, Sharif Hussain wrote: "secularism - which by definition rejects any form of religion!" I find it stunning that the President of Muslim Medics Society in the UK doesn't know the definition of secularism. Secularism is widely understood to accept the right of all religions to co-exist in the state without giving undue precedence to the majority religion, and in no way "rejects any form of religion." Perhaps he is confusing secularism, a policy of the state, with atheism, an individual belief regarding religion which does indeed reject all religions.

In any case, Bangladesh ceased to be a secular state a very long time ago. It remains to be seen whether it can now prevent itself from turning into a breeding ground of religion-based fanaticism and bigotry. One gets the sense that the orthodox right is gaining strength everyday and the institutional protections all citizens were supposed to enjoy are rapidly eroding. Mr. Hussain is right to point out the lack of protection of minority rights that is unfortunately going on in many Western democracies. That, however, is a tired and old argument for not protecting the rights of religious and other minorities in Bangladesh, such as the 'Ahmadiyyas.' It is the type of argument we like to put forward so that we don't have to actually do any work to improve the situation at home.

Rafiq Ahmed, Chicago, USA.

Finally it happened!
In this country some one that speaks especially against the fundamentalism patronised by the state and does not come under attack is unexpected indeed. I was apprehending the attack on Dr. Azad after reading his recently published book named 'Pak Sar Zamin Sat Bat' which speaks of the brutal attack on the Hindu community before and after the 2001 general elections. That was a holy war (!) against the people who belongs to other religion specially the Hindu religion. Dr. Azad draws a picture of these holy attacks in his book. What a stupidity! In this country he writes against our holy soldiers who sacrifices their lives for Islam. Let us take a decision that we will establish Islam here. We will replace 'Amar Sonar Bangla.' Therefore, we will not let Dr. Humayun Azad or any other person stay alive who campaign against us. We care nobody. State is ours, government has nothing to do but scrambling for power. Government is busy with the opposition. State forces are busy to give escort to its great ministers, deputy ministers. We have some representatives in the parliament. We will establish Pak Zamin here.

Anisur Rahman Biswas, Dhanmondi, Dhaka.

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Corresponding Law Desk
Please send your mails, queries, and opinions to: Law Desk, 19 Karwan Bazar, Dhaka-1215; telephone 8124944, 8124955, 8124966; fax 8125155, 8126154; email <[email protected]>

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A dark episode in our history
Words are not enough to describe the brutal attack on honourable Professor of Dhaka University Dr. Humayun Azad. Those culprits, who have committed this dreadful crime and are behind this abhorrent attack, are not beasts- they are inhuman.

The government have declared that they will find out the
criminals and bring them to justice. But it seems that they are trying to use this devilish attack on Prof. Azad as a political issue to coerce the opposition parties. On February 28, in BNP's meeting at Bashabo, our Prime Minister directly alleged Awami League as the perpetrator (Prothom Alo March 1). I wonder how our Prime Minister gave this baseless statement before any type of investigation.

The teachers and students of DU are continuing their strong and peaceful protest against the barbaric attack on Prof. Azad. The assault on such a renowned and freethinker like him proved that our home ministry has failed to ensure our safety and security. Therefore, DU students are making a strong movement against our present home ministry. By demanding the resignation of our present home minister, when they were going to besiege the ministry on March 3, they were attacked and physically assaulted by police and JCD activists, where more than 100 students were seriously injured (Janakantha March 4). However, the sad truth is our government did not enforce the law properly and those students were deprived from justice.

Finally I want to say, It has been an attack on not only an individual, but also the people who think for the betterment of our country. But after so many things, I still hope that our government will come up with right decision very soon and bring the culprits to book. Our government have to do it for their own sake.

Julius Valentine Gomes, Rajabazar, Dhaka.