Bangladesh is a land of communal harmony. Here people of all faiths live together in peaceful coexistence. This tradition continues since the beginning of time. Although 90 per cent of its population is Muslim, people of other faiths such as Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian live together peacefully. This is undoubtedly a matter of pride for the people of Bangladesh.
The entire population of the country irrespective of religion, caste and creed share the joy of each other’s religious festivities. This is why Eid, Durga Puja, Buddha Purnima and Christmas are termed as universal festivals. People of a certain faith exchange greetings with the people of other faiths on the joyous occasions. In the Constitution of Bangladesh, equal status of all religions is guaranteed. This also serves as a shield against intolerance.
Despite the fact that Bangladesh stands as a tolerant society, recent untoward incidents have raised a concern. We know Islam as a religion of tolerance. In the ongoing month of holy Ramadan, let us refurbish our belief. Examples of religious tolerance for people of other faiths are found in the dealings of Prophet Muhammad (may the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon him) with other religions. It can best be described in the verse of the Qur’an:
“To you be your religion, to me be mine.”
If we go through Indian history, we can see that Muslims ruled India for many centuries, but majority of its citizens always remained non-Muslims. Islam penetrated among the people of India by propagation and example of Sufis. Noted journalist-writer of India Khuswant Singh has clearly elaborated this fact in the first volume of his ‘The History of Sikhs.’
We firmly believe that the peace-loving people of Bangladesh will always uphold the glory and tradition of religious harmony. As Bangladesh was born at the cost of blood of lakhs of Shaheeds (martyrs), its people won’t let their blood go in vain.
Khairuzzaman, Dhaka
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