Parallel existence enigmatic
Pointing out that secularism returned with the reinstatement of the four fundamental principles while Islam remained as the state religion, Prof Emeritus at Dhaka University Anisuzzaman yesterday said it was difficult to understand how both could simultaneously exist in the constitution.
Addressing as chief guest a discussion in the capital's Bangla Academy celebrating Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Oikya Parishad's 25th founding anniversary, the eminent educationalist also condemned recent attacks on minority communities, especially Hindus.
“The administration sometimes fails to perform its due role to prevent such attacks for some reasons. But when the local representatives come forward to resist the communal attacks, the administration becomes active,” he added.
The noted academician urged civil society members to protest any form of communal violence to maintain harmony, stating that all communities would be able to live peacefully once secularism was completely existent in the constitution and the administrations.
He, however, said communalism in the majority might start to appear in the minorities and the latter must be aware on not falling victim to it.
The parishad General Secretary Advocate Rana Dasgupta said the nation achieved independence through a struggle, the Liberation War, but the minorities were yet to be completely emancipated due to communalism, fundamentalism and militancy in the country.
The parishad declared organising a national rally in the capital on January 23 next year demanding protection of the minorities.
Later Prof Anisuzzaman handed over posthumous awards to relatives of 15 eminent persons for their contributions to the parishad's birth and to help it flourish.
The awardees are poet Sufia Kamal, Justices Debesh Chandra Bhattacharya, Kamaluddin Hossain and KM Sobhan; chief editor of Sangbad and Gonotantri Party president Ahmedul Kabir, revolutionary Binod Bihari Chowdhury, eminent lawyer Sudhangsu Shekhar Halder, TD Rojario, KB Chowdhury, Prof Dr Rangalal Sen, Barrister Subir Chandra Das, Daniel Koraiya, Nirmal Kumar Dey, Vodonto Bhodipal Mohathero and Vodonto Sumongal Mohathero.
Bangladesh Mahila Parishad President Ayesha Khanom and journalist Abul Momen also spoke.
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