Source: Daily Star
MIXING RELIGION WITH POLITICS
An otherwise little known group Hefazat-e-Islam has become instrumental in winning election, especially at a time when everyone has thought that secularism in Bangladesh taking a strong foothold. Political use of religion–especially Islam–is back, and it seems to have all the ingredients to turn the nation’s politics upside down. Both the major parties are using Islam indiscriminately, setting a dangerous trend for Bangladesh’s future polity.
By ANANTA YUSUF
The sun is high up in the sky and Nasir Uddin an octogenarian, in all white, slowly comes down the stairs of Gazipur Hawker Market. As he reaches the footpath, he gets closer to see a journalist interview some ordinary citizens. He joins the conversation a little while later and expresses his anger about the political situation of the country. He says that though the city is new, its politicians are nothing but the same old faces, diligently producing the garbage that they do everywhere else in the country.
Hefazat-e-Islam leaders campaigning for the BNP backed candidates during the Khulna city corporation election. Photo: Rashed Shumon
Asked about what he feels about the political use of religion in the country, he says: “What I have learnt in all these years is that these politicians have little to do with Islam and everything to do with political power. Just before each and every election they use Islam; they abuse Islam and all of a sudden every politician has become a pious man only to get the throne.
Categories: Asia, Bangladesh, Political, Politics, Religion