al qalam
24-07-03, 18:52
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,1002184,00.html
Evidence is emerging that the oppression of minorities is becoming systematic. Bangladesh, which is 85% Muslim but has a long tradition of tolerance to religious minorities, is, say local organisations, being pushed towards fundamentalism by the Jamaat-e-Islami, which is growing rapidly in rural areas with the deepest poverty and runs two key ministries.
"This is like a silent revolution. We are returning to the dark ages," a leading lawyer said, asking not to be named.
"I think the backdrop is being created for the introduction of strict sharia laws. You see extremist rightwing fundamentalists infiltrating every professional area, in the appointment of the judiciary, the law, medicine and in education. They are capturing key positions in government, the universities and institutions."
Leading Islamic scholars are appalled by the repression and the rise of fundamentalism. "What we are seeing is the Talibanisation of Bangladesh," Maolama Abdul Awal, former director of the Bangladesh Islamic Foundation, said. "If we allow them to continue ... [minorities] will be eliminated. Bangladesh will become a fascist country."
Evidence is emerging that the oppression of minorities is becoming systematic. Bangladesh, which is 85% Muslim but has a long tradition of tolerance to religious minorities, is, say local organisations, being pushed towards fundamentalism by the Jamaat-e-Islami, which is growing rapidly in rural areas with the deepest poverty and runs two key ministries.
"This is like a silent revolution. We are returning to the dark ages," a leading lawyer said, asking not to be named.
"I think the backdrop is being created for the introduction of strict sharia laws. You see extremist rightwing fundamentalists infiltrating every professional area, in the appointment of the judiciary, the law, medicine and in education. They are capturing key positions in government, the universities and institutions."
Leading Islamic scholars are appalled by the repression and the rise of fundamentalism. "What we are seeing is the Talibanisation of Bangladesh," Maolama Abdul Awal, former director of the Bangladesh Islamic Foundation, said. "If we allow them to continue ... [minorities] will be eliminated. Bangladesh will become a fascist country."