The New Nation - Internet Edition

The demand to ban religion-based politics in Bangladesh is both unjust and illogical, and runs counter to the values we uphold. Those who have started a fresh campaign to ban religion-based politics are doing out of sheer ignorance. It is for their information that Islam is not unlike other religions a mere religion. It presents a unique socio-economy and political structure for economic emancipation of mankind and at the same time it also works to ameliorate ethics and morality of every human being for salvation in the hereafter.

Those who fear justice, share of the poor in the wealth of the rich, equity and honourable position of women in society oppose Islam as economic and political force to serve the interest of the feudal lords and the capitalists. It is for their further information that, there are about 300 verses in the Quran dealing with economics and the state's responsibility towards the poor, the destitute and the have-nots. The Quran says, " Transfer not the properties, which Allah has given you as means of livelihood, to the weak in understanding but feed and clothe them out of it and speak kind words to them,"-4/5.The Prophet (SM) said, 'When a man dies leaving behind wealth, it belongs to his heirs. But when he dies in debt, it is my responsibility to look after them. He said, every human being is entitled to food, clothing, shelter, education and medicine.

The verse in question and the sayings of the Prophet clearly reveal the responsibility of the State towards have-nots. Elsewhere the Quran says, "Give a full measure and full weight in justice and wrong not men of their goods,"-11/85.

As the Quran is binding on every believer, he or she will work to implement the decrees ordained. It is his inherent right to preach the teachings of Islam and to form a political party. Any move to oppose the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet is unacceptable and runs counter to the values we uphold.

In the end, we request the interim government to stop their hate campaign against Islam in the greater interests of the society.

Ameer Hamzah

Dhaka