Condemnation for massacre in Mali

Just days after a grisly attack in a mosque in Christchurch in New Zealand, there has been another gruesome crime in Mali where an ethnic Peuhl village was attacked, reportedly by a militia formed of members from the Dogon tribe. We denounce this attack wholeheartedly and pray for the families which have lost dear ones. While the world grapples to tackle religion based extremism, the ruthless face of radicalism emerges its ugly head from time to time, leaving scores of innocent people dead. In the attack in Mali, pregnant women, children and adolescents were among the victims – a sign that militants who are indoctrinated by a perverse interpretation of faith will not have any scruples in taking the lives of minors.

Such ferocious outlook is most disconcerting and compels us to be united in rooting out all sorts of intolerant views. The incident in Mali reminds us once more that militancy is now a global scourge which can hit any country. Reportedly, the insidious entry of fanaticism in Mali in the last few years has exacerbated relations between tribes and the killing was possibly an outcome of rising ethnic tensions. This reminds us of the massacres in the early 90s in Rwanda when Tutsis and Hutus were locked in a deadly conflict resulting in ghastly deaths and widespread maiming. The most effective way to deal with implacable animosity is through efforts to create a space for dialogue, compassion and tolerance. This has to be triggered by the seniors of any community with constant support from the government. In several cases, age old antipathy is intertwined with highly fanatical views that proselytize young people in harbouring very blinkered outlooks.  The solution should start at the schools, where, social cohesion has to be taught along with lessons on pluralism and inclusivity. This has to be done not only in developing nations but also in developed ones which have seen the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment bordering on hatred. In the context of Bangladesh, the tragedy in Mali should be taken seriously to add more impetus to the drive to extirpate all elements that try to sow discord, animosity and mistrust among communities.

Bangladesh is supposed to be a secular country with respect for all faiths ensconced in our basic upbringing. This veneration needs to be nurtured and aberrant elements uprooted. Tolerance comes from the teachings within the family; therefore, generosity of outlook must be the core teaching all over the country with active help from religious establishments.

 

Condemnation for massacre in Mali

Just days after a grisly attack in a mosque in Christchurch in New Zealand, there has been another gruesome crime in Mali where an ethnic Peuhl village was attacked, reportedly by a militia formed of members from the Dogon tribe. We denounce this attack wholeheartedly and pray for the families which have lost dear ones. While the world grapples to tackle religion based extremism, the ruthless face of radicalism emerges its ugly head from time to time, leaving scores of innocent people dead. In the attack in Mali, pregnant women, children and adolescents were among the victims a sign that militants who are indoctrinated by a perverse interpretation of faith will not have any scruples in taking the lives of minors. Such ferocious outlook is most disconcerting and compels us to be united in rooting out all sorts of intolerant views. The incident in Mali reminds us once more that militancy is now a global scourge which can hit any country. Reportedly, the insidious entry of fanaticism in Mali in the last few years has exacerbated relations between tribes and the killing was possibly an outcome of rising ethnic tensions. This reminds us of the massacres in the early 90s in Rwanda when Tutsis and Hutus were locked in a deadly conflict resulting in ghastly deaths and widespread maiming. The most effective way to deal with implacable animosity is through efforts to create a space for dialogue, compassion and tolerance. This has to be triggered by the seniors of any community with constant support from the government. In several cases, age old antipathy is intertwined with highly fanatical views that proselytize young people in harbouring very blinkered outlooks. The solution should start at the schools, where, social cohesion has to be taught along with lessons on pluralism and inclusivity. This has to be done not only in developing nations but also in developed ones which have seen the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment bordering on hatred. In the context of Bangladesh, the tragedy in Mali should be taken seriously to add more impetus to the drive to extirpate all elements that try to sow discord, animosity and mistrust among communities. Bangladesh is supposed to be a secular country with respect for all faiths ensconced in our basic upbringing. This veneration needs to be nurtured and aberrant elements uprooted. Tolerance comes from the teachings within the family; therefore, generosity of outlook must be the core teaching all over the country with active help from religious establishments.