Liberalising alcohol policy

I have read with interest all the letters written on this topic. I would like to make some observations. The letters printed on 15th and 18th August are quite pragmatic and are in consonant with the present day realities of Bangladesh. But I am afraid the learned Raquib Shamshad and SAK Mojlish failed to grasp the inner philosophy, logic and the intentions of the first three letters. It seems the idea of writing the first three letters was not to promote alcohol, but an appeal to cease from being hypocrites and to highlight the prevailing scenario and the relatively less harmful options.

Nobody can force somebody to eat anything, not to speak of drinking. Our culture, family control, traditions, education and self-control are all good deterrents.

Well, alcohol is not a drug by any definition -- medically, legally. But Cannabis, Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroine, Morphine, Methadone etc, fall under the schedule of drugs. Are we to believe that Phensedyl and above mentioned drugs are safe and beneficial for heart, lungs, brain, liver and kidneys? The letters of 25th are charged with high emotions and are devoid of the hard truths of the alarming and devastating drug situation of Bangladesh.

There are three references in the Holy Quran on Alcohol. One need to read the 'Tafshir' and the 'Shane Najel" while reading the Holy Quran. Understanding and appreciating the context and the circumstances of revelation of any Sura is very important for proper understanding. Holy Quran says 'Alcohol has some good and bad effects but the bad outweighs the good'. 'Honey and alcohol are produced from dates, and are beneficial for the health.'. No where we could find the word ' Alcohol categorically forbidden' in the Holy Quran. But it has been discouraged. The effects of alcohol depends on quantity, frequency, rapidity of consumption, and also very much on the person concerned.

Alcohol is freely available in India and many other Muslim countries. Have they all become alcoholics?

Vladimir' the Rus', a pagan and the founder of Russia, was shopping for a religion. He sent emissaries to Constantinople and almost decided for Islam, but discarded when found that it discouraged alcohol, which was an essential way of life for the Vikings. In lighter vein we may say that we missed the opportunity of converting all the Russians to Islam!

One need to accept hard facts and look for pragmatic and judicious options. And lastly there is no need to mix up financial, economic and sociological issues with others.