Rising hate crime
A section
of Western media is responsible to a
great extent behind this most unwelcome phenomenon
We are deeply saddened about the apparent hate crime murder of two Bangladeshis in USA. A Bangladeshi born Maulana Alauddin Akonjee, 55, a former imam of a mosque in New York City and his associate, Thara Mia, were shot dead while walking along together following afternoon prayers on Saturday in New Yorks Ozone Park neighbourhood of Queens.
We are deeply worried that Islamophobia and related hate crimes are increasing at an alarming rate in a number of Western countries. There have been numerous incidents of arson attacks on mosques and threats against worshippers and those who wear Islamic apparels. We have noticed a sharp rise in hate speech, discriminatory acts and social hostility against Muslims. Admittedly there have been few instances of murder but there is no reason to be complacent as hate can lead certain people to indulge in the most atrocious and outrageous of acts.
A section of Western media is responsible to a great extent behind this most unwelcome phenomenon. Their ignorant portrayal of Muslims is providing fuel to the campaign of hate and bigotry. These are certainly not the best of times. And at a time when there is a need to urge all communities to develop tolerance and respect for each other, we see the unfortunate rise of opportunistic elements who spread fear and xenophobia. If left unchecked, such instances and political shortsightedness will grow rapidly in the years to come.
There must be a concentrated effort to reverse these trends. Unfortunately, this is happening in countries, which are the traditional champions of human rights and humanitarianism. Muslim communities are living in fear and their alienation expands the divide between faiths and cultures within and among nations.
Indeed, freedom of expression is a fundamental tenet of a democratic society. However, when freedom of speech allows insults against Islam and generates hate speech and incitement to violence against Muslims and indeed people of any religious denominations, we need to question ourselves. We have to understand that an attack on one faith is an attack on all our faiths. And when any religious group is targeted, we all have a responsibility to speak up.
Terrorism and violent extremism pose serious threat to international peace and security. The menace has inflicted immeasurable human and economic losses. Therefore, a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy is needed to tackle this global problem and Bangladesh as a nation always supports such a strategy. The complexity of challenge also demands enhanced and shared understanding and deeper dialogue between countries, cultures and civilisations.
