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Drishtipat,
an organization committed to safeguarding every individual's basic
democratic and human rights, expresses grave concern at the recent
decision of the Government of the People's Republic Bangladesh to
ban all publications of the Ahmadiyya Muslim
Jamaat Bangladesh. In a press release, the Home Ministry claims
that the decision to ban publications was made "in view of
objectionable materials in such (Ahmadiyya) publications which hurt
or might hurt the sentiments of the majority Muslim population of
Bangladesh." In our view this decision is completely contrary
to the spirit and letter of the Constitution of People's Republic
ofBangladesh, as well as Bangladesh's obligation under international
human rights laws. Specifically it is in violation of the rights
of all Ahmadiyas, and indeed of other citizens of Bangladesh who
may wish to read their publications, to the rights of free of expression,
freedom of religion, and the right to be treated only in accordance
with law. In
a democratic country and open society, individuals, religious groups,
and political parities should be free to publish their viewpoints,
and to practice their own religion without causing harm to others.
The decision of the Government of Bangladesh is quite alarming,
particularly in view of the call by some extremist and sectarian
groups in Bangladesh for the for the state to declare the Ahmadiyyas
"non-Mulsim." In our view, it is certainly beyond the
authority of the State to engage in the business of judging the
authenticity of the religious views and theological positions of
a particular community. The declaration of
the Ahmadiyya community as "non-Muslims" by the state
of Bangladesh would be not only a grave offense against a particular
religious community, but also a grave offense against all Muslims,
in as much as it would portray Muslims as intolerant of divergences
of views. It would also give rise to anxiety and fear among various
religious communities, including Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists
and others, regarding possible actions to be taken against them.
The religious texts and theological works of one group may contain
notions and concepts that are not acceptable to others; however,
this cannot be accepted and rationalized as a ground from banning
such publications. Minority religious communities should be free
to
publish and to distribute their materials.
It should be pointed out that historically actions such as the banning
of books and publication and the destruction of statues and paintings
may be precursors to much graver crimes. It is, therefore, critical
that all conscious citizens of Bangladesh and others concerned with
fundamental rights become not only be aware of such activities but
collectively organize to prevent such actions. We reiterate that
bigotry does not stop once it is endorsed by the state. Those who
are demanding the banning of publications may be emboldened to go
to further once they win their first demand.
We call on all our fellow citizens in Bangladesh to resist the forces
of bigotry and to reject the Government of Bangladesh's attempt
to ban the publications of a religious community, any attempt to
officially declare a community "non-Muslim," bar people
of one faith or other from serving as state functionaries or elected
officials, or engage any other activity in which the state authorities
endorses a specific religious or theological viewpoint.
Perhaps it is testimony to the profound lack of understanding of
the rich and complex heritage history of Bangladesh, of Islam, of
the Constitution of Bangladesh and of human rights that the state
authorities can act in such tyrannical and grotesque fashion. Indeed,
by acting in this fashion, the authorities risk tarnishing Bangladesh's
image as a country that promotes tolerance and where people of diverse
religions and beliefs live peacefully.
We appeal once again to the citizens of the country to prevent the
authorities from imposing their fiats based on bigotry and ignorance
on the citizenry and to withdraw with immediate effect their decision
to ban the publications of the Ahmadiya community.
Public Document, January 12, 2003
Drishtipat, http://www.drishtipat.org
info at drishtipat Dot org |
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