The headlines of the electronic and print media during the last days of 2015 were all about democracy, development and rise of government’s approval rating from 66 percent to 67 percent. On the contrary, the story of Pakistan is hopeless. On December 29, 2015 at least 26 people were killed and 45 injured when a suicide bomber struck the office of a National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) in Dohsera Chowk, Mardan of Pakistan, where a large number of people were standing in queues to have their National Identity cards. However, according to South Asia Terrorism Portal more than 27,000 civilians and security forces personnel have died in Pakistan in terror attacks since 2004. The religious colony of Pakistan has become a breeding ground of militancy, which they often export to other countries, including Bangladesh. The expulsion of Second Secretary (political) Farina Arshad for helping terror group JMB is a case in point. However, the most recent examples of Bangladesh’s strong determination to resist militancy could be observed from unearthing militants’ camps in Dhaka, Gazipur and Chittagong, during December, 2015. Amidst the threats of militants and supporters of war criminals, Bangladesh has been doing better in upholding the process of democratization and achieving remarkable development goals. Mentionably, Bangladesh is well ahead of Pakistan and India in almost all social development indicators.Resisting militancy
It is hoped that constant vigilance by the law enforcers will ensure that there is no room for terrorism and militancy on the soil of Bangladesh. However, apart from the actions and activities of law enforcing agencies to fight out the militancy, social �resistance� is also gradually gaining ground in different parts of the world including Bangladesh
Arun Kumar Goswami
The headlines of the electronic and print media during the last days of 2015 were all about democracy, development and rise of governments approval rating from 66 percent to 67 percent. On the contrary, the story of Pakistan is hopeless. On December 29, 2015 at least 26 people were killed and 45 injured when a suicide bomber struck the office of a National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) in Dohsera Chowk, Mardan of Pakistan, where a large number of people were standing in queues to have their National Identity cards. However, according to South Asia Terrorism Portal more than 27,000 civilians and security forces personnel have died in Pakistan in terror attacks since 2004. The religious colony of Pakistan has become a breeding ground of militancy, which they often export to other countries, including Bangladesh. The expulsion of Second Secretary (political) Farina Arshad for helping terror group JMB is a case in point. However, the most recent examples of Bangladeshs strong determination to resist militancy could be observed from unearthing militants camps in Dhaka, Gazipur and Chittagong, during December, 2015. Amidst the threats of militants and supporters of war criminals, Bangladesh has been doing better in upholding the process of democratization and achieving remarkable development goals. Mentionably, Bangladesh is well ahead of Pakistan and India in almost all social development indicators.
On 30 December the elections for 234 municipalities were held, where the mayoral candidates contested with party symbols. In July, 2015 the World Bank declared Bangladesh as a lower middle income country; Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the main construction of the Padma Bridge. The bridge is being constructed with Bangladeshs own finance.
The Prime Ministers ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wajed Joy said, Corruption has declined manifolds in Bangladesh than before. Its a big achievement now for the Awami League government. The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina doesnt give indulgence to corruption. The country was champion in terms of corruption for five consecutive terms during the rule of BNP-Jamaat government.
Bangladesh has shown the world by achieving the status of lower middle income state 6 years before its target. Joy said, We become wondered as we could achieve the challenge six years earlier than our target. Now we are a lower middle income state from the worlds poorest country. Nothing stands still, everything is in constant flux and without an iota of doubt one cannot step into the same river twice. In a hunt for the religious militants the law enforcing agencies of Bangladesh have found the shelter of militants in Chittagong and Gazipur. The militants were possessing snipper rifle AK-11, 12 sets of army uniform, and secret documents of police. Besides, they also found huge number of bullets and instruments for making explosives.
In the midst of religious militancy in different parts of the world, the acts and statements on tolerance and resistance have become most frequent. Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has attracted immense attention after disclosing that his wife Kiran Rao suggested they leave India following one or two stray incidences that seems to be intolerance in his country. For this comments Aamir Khan hit top trends on Twitter and hostile comments from Bollywood and enraged fans surfaced.
A Princeton University graduated F. William Engdahl has detailed the powers behind the rise and growth of international militant organization in the name of religion in Syria and Iraq. Engdahls article has been supported with specific evidences. The author mentioned the names of Israel, neo-conservatives and pro-militant faction in Obama administration.
The involvement of Israeli soldiers with the activities of international militant organization has been noted in the UN report. Among some others, the main causes of Israels involvement are presence of anti-Israleri Hezboolah gurellias on the Golan Heights and exploration of a major oil reservior (with 350 meters thickness) on that area by Israeli geologists.
The attacks on Paris on Friday, November 13, 2015, by gunmen and suicide bombers in a concert at the Bataclan venue have left at least 129 people dead and countless others injured. The international organization of religious militants has already claimed responsibility for the attacks. Many heads of state and heads of government, as well as the United Nations, offered messages of condolence and solidarity in the wake of the attacks.
Muslim heads of state, scholars, imams, leaders and groups have been condemning the attacks since long. In the Peace for Humanity Conference, on 24th September, 2011, organised by Minhaj-ul-Quran International, religious scholars from all existing religions including Islam and some other participants launched a 24-point declaration. Number 6 of this declaration says, We unequivocally reject, disown and condemn all terrorism committed in the name of Islam, just as we reject and condemn all terrorism committed in the names of other religions or causes. Terrorism is never a legitimate and honourable act of war but is always a cowardly act of indiscriminate murder. Number 7 says, We reject as mistaken and spurious any assertions made by both Muslims and non-Muslims that the world is currently locked in an inexorable struggle between Islam and the West and we commit ourselves, through positive and mutually respectful engagement and dialogue, to oppose any and all claims of clashes of civilisations or the incompatibility of the values in various regions, states and communities.
The declaration was launched by Muslims for the Muslims of the world and for the rest of humanity. Finally, the signatories to this declaration call upon all people everywhere to express their agreement with their beliefs, expectations and aspirations by adding their own signatures to the declaration.
It is encouraging to note that Bangladesh stands firmly against militancy and is leaving no stone unturned to contain it.This policy has been reflected in the remarks of Prime Minister Deshratna Sheikh Hasina when she reaffirmed that Bangladeshs soil will not be allowed to be used by any insurgent group. We wont allow any sort of insurgency in Bangladeshwe want a peaceful atmosphere in this region, she told outgoing Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pankaj Saran when the envoy met her at her office. The Indian envoy said Bangladesh and India are now working together to combat militancy and terrorism. Well continue to work to root out terrorism and militancy, he told the PM. It is hoped that constant vigilance by the law enforcers will ensure that there is no room for terrorism and militancy on the soil of Bangladesh. However, apart from the actions and activities of law enforcing agencies to fight out militancy, social resistance is also gradually gaining ground in different parts of the world including Bangladesh.
The writer is Chairman, Department of Political Science, and Director, South Asian Study Circle, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
