The Dhaka Tribute, 21 September 2013 ‘Communalism rooted in people’s minds, political parties’ Muktasree Chakma Sathi Communal attack in Ramu did not take place only because of lack of communal harmony there was political reason behind the attack Communalism in the present context cannot be eliminated from the society as it is very much rooted in people’s mind, political parties, administrative and statutory bodies, said speakers at a discussion on Friday. They said the only way to deal with it is to turn the country into a secular state by building awareness among people. Discussants comprised of columnist, academics, politicians and journalist made the observation at the discussion on a book titled “Ramu Sangkalan” (a compilation of writes up on Ramu) at Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium. Columnist Rahnuma Ahmed, lawyer Jyotirmoy Barua, journalist Udisa Islam and Snighdha Halder edited the book that feature the timeline of the atrocities inflicted on the Buddha minority people in Ramu last year along with a significant number of newspaper reports, columns, and analysis. Discussing the book Rahnuma said: “We did this compilation since one can always find documentation prepared by the powerful people. But it is hard to find any documentation that contain the voices of marginalised, powerless people and the victims.” Academic Anu Muhammad said: “This compilation would help people to remember “strength gained from oppression and resistance”. There has always been a tendency from the part of the government to obliterate such tragic memories from people’s mind.” This book will help the oppressed people to learn how to build resistance when they face such inhuman and vicious attack in future. Taking part in the discussion Nurul Kabir, Editor of New Age, said the book would be an example to look at an incident from different angles as long as such communal attack continues to take place in the country. “Most of the time when a book is launched it is a moment of celebration. But today we cannot do so rather we are in melancholy mood and feel concerned,” said Nurul Kabir. Speaking on the occasion Progyananda Bhikku of Ramu Seema Vihara, that too was reeled by the wrath of communal attack on September 29 last year, said during the attack a total of 500 Buddha statues made of gold, bronze and white stone were looted. Professor Salimullah Khan said, secularism is needed for the betterment of the country. “Even if there is no non-Muslim citizen living in the country the state should be a secular one.” Communal attack in Ramu did not take place only because of lack of communal harmony there was political reason behind the attack. Awami League, BNP and Jamaat all these parties were involved in the attack,” Salimullah further said. Professor Gitiara Nasrin of Dhaka University, Swadhin Sen of Jahangirnagar University and Ganasanghati Andolan Convener Zonayed Saki also spoke on the occasion. dhakatribune/law-amp-rights/2013/sep/21/%E2%80%98communalism-rooted-people%E2%80%99s-minds-political-parties%E2%80%99
Posted on: Sat, 28 Sep 2013 20:27:08 +0000
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