Bangladesh has fallen into radicalism in a big way. In 1972, the nation had crafted for itself a Constitution with a secular promise. But in the two decades ending 1991, 20 million Hindus have been systematically destroyed or ousted from that land. Today, when Bangladesh is poised for a General Election, the ruling party has come up with a restrictive Islamic agenda.

In Islamic society, internal dynamics is so inbuilt that it pushes it towards radicalism. Global atmosphere drives all societies to see logic. But Islamic societies have a tremendous capacity to stonewall reason, howsoever truthful.

Why does reasoning have no say in Islamic scheme of things? After all, we see many moderate Muslims in daily life. Why are they incapable of freeing themselves from radicalism? Those who tried fell from grace. Those with radical rendition of Islam possess the veto power and carry the day just because of an extremist interpretation of religion.

Looking at the changing political scenario of Bangladesh, one can recall that in 1970-71 millions of Bengali Muslims and Hindus were killed by Pakistani Army. Says US Senator Edward Kennedy's report on Bangladesh: "Field reports to the US Government, countless eye-witness journalistic accounts, reports of International agencies such as World Bank and additional information available to the subcommittee document the reign of terror which grips East Bengal (East Pakistan). Hardest hit have been the Hindus who have been robbed of their lands and shops, systematically slaughtered, and in some places, painted with yellow patches marked 'H'." According to Saleem Samad, Human Rights observer, "the number of Hindus missing from Bangladesh over two decades, ending 1991, is 20 million."

Over a crore refugees crossed over to India leaving us with no other option but to help Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, the liberal and popular Muslim leader. In spite of many factors against it, Bangladesh liberated itself with India's help. The new constitution of Bangladesh was framed and adopted in 1972, which followed four fundamental principles of State policy. The Constitution of Bangladesh spelt out secularism in Article 12, which reads: "The principle of secularism shall be realised by the elimination of:

• Communalism in all its forms
• Granting by the State of political status in favour of any religion
• Abuse of religion for political purposes
• Discrimination against, or persecution of persons practicing a particular religion.

Even during Sheikh Mujib's regime, pressures from radicals were very much felt. He did not compromise but certain aberrations were seen during his lifetime. The Awami League, in those days, extended clemency through the General Clemency Act-1973, even to collaborators of the Pakistan's occupation Government during the liberation war-1971.

Muslim League activists of the bygone era who were reduced to minuscule groups, were now emboldened. The country, which had 85 per cent Muslims, was not tolerant towards Hindus, Buddhists, Santhals and Ahmadias. During Khalida Zia's many years long regime numerous discriminatory laws were enacted. The present Prime Minister, who came to power with the help of Jamait-e-Islami, celebrated its victory by raping, butchering and looting minorities.

Noted literary figure Taslima Nasreen has described the pathetic condition of Hindus and Buddhists in her novel Lajja. The intolerance could be understood from the fact that Taslima had to flee and live in exile for many years. Meanwhile, Bangladesh was declared the Islamic Republic of Bangladesh in 1988.

Now that General Elections are going to be held on January 22, 2007, Sheikh Hasina has declared that her alliance would boycott polls with all its might. She has also signed a deal with an extremist Islamist group which entails:

• No law will be enacted by her Government that contradicts Quranic values.
• Steps will be initiated to ensure Government recognition of certificates issued by qaumi madarsas.
• Laws will be enacted acknowledging Prophet Mohammed as the greatest Prophet.
• No criticism of the Prophet shall be allowed.
• Laws will be enacted to allow certified hakkani alem to issue fatwa.

Allies are, naturally, shocked. The above guidelines are a total turnabout from the secular promise of the 1972 Constitution.

During the last quarter century, Saudi Arabia has pumped a lot of money into Bangladesh for education, industry and Islam, strengthening radical extremists. In addition to that, reconciled to the idea of sovereign Bangladesh, Pakistan has developed multi-faceted relations with it. The ISI has gained ground nurturing and using radicals for anti-India activities. The result? Radicalisation of Islam, which may further marginalise the liberal forces due to which India may have to face more heat.

Courtesy: www.dailypioneer.com, January 7, 2007