Bangladeshi police stand guard in front of the high court in Dhaka on August 1, 2013. PHOTO: AFP
"It is hereby declared illegal," said Moazzem Hossain, the chief judge hearing the case amid tight security outside the courthouse in Dhaka.
A lawyer for the Bangladeshi election commission, which oversees preparations for elections due next January, said the ruling meant that the Jamaat could not field candidates.
"As a party, Jamaat's registration with the election commission is declared illegal, with the consequence that they cannot contest the election as a political party," Shahdeen Malik told media.
"The party can still carry on with other political activities. If it amends its charter to bring it in conformity with the constitution and reapplies for registration, it can be re-registered," Malik added.
There were fears ahead of the ruling that it could trigger fresh protests by Jamaat supporters in the politically volatile country, already reeling from violence over war crimes verdicts passed on Jamaat's top leadership.
Police and members of the elite Rapid Action Battalion were deployed outside the court in central Dhaka but there were no immediate reports of violence.
The ruling comes after a leading Sufi group, which practises Islamic mysticism, filed the public interest litigation in January 2009 seeking to scrap Jamaat's registration.
Secular protesters have long demanded that Jamaat be banned for its role in the 1971 war.
Top Jamaat leaders are being tried for crimes during the war and four of them have been sentenced to death for murder, mass murder, rape and religious persecution.
Protests over the verdicts have sparked violence that has left at least 150 people dead during street clashes with security forces, Human Rights Watch said in a report released Thursday.
Jamaat says the trials are a sham aimed at eliminating the party, which is a key opposition force.
COMMENTS (99)
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@Truth detector: Sir, By all means have an Islamic constitution and be a religious state. But this does not mean that that religious teachers grab power in the name of religion. Follow Islamic laws but not those who hunt power in the name of religion and cry for jihad against entire world.. Follow those who are religious but ask power for progress, education, medical and scientific advancement and economic progress to stand up in the modern world.
@@All Above: It will never be bad for Islam because Islam is not to be used for fighting elections for political power. Islam is for peace and for spiritual and social upliftment.
@Anand: Dear Anand thanks for picking up the threads. Please do not misunderstand me. Every religious thinking, society and community evolves with time and this process of change begins,formulates and get implemented by the people concerned. The examples you have sighted beautifully illustrate my point. Sati Pratha, child marriage and now khaps or intercast marriages were/are being opposed or say reformed by the very community that was/is practicing these customs. Raja Rammohan Roy, Tagore,Swami Dayanand Sarswati are some of the luminaries who inspired. Hindu code bill was initiated by Hindus only. People like me came out in open 60 years ago and married inter cast in spite dead opposition. Any changes that are thrust from out side or forced by other sources are resisted, create conflict and blood shed . With the world shrinking and communication of ideas with powerful social media on internet etc; things will change. Let us have faith and look at people like Malala or many others around us at home a common set of values will evolve. Who are we to force our thinking progressive/regressive on others. See how much blood is already flowing when sunni or khap or custodians of religion like pundit or mulla say that their way is the right way. Regards
@VINOD
@Sid 'In such circumstances is it right for any one region or religion to force its civil code and say it is right?' You are asking him a rhetorical question.@Sid has merely solicitated in favour of a 'Uniform civil code' which can only be enacted in the parliament which as you know do not belong to any 'region' or any 'religion'. 'AND all over the subcontinent they never had uniform civil code. Leave aside different religions, People of the same religion have different civil code.' Verily true. And in the light of this truism we should probably in hindsight, look at The Hindu code bills 1955 (comprising 4 different Acts), Sati (Prevention) Act 1987 as regressive and an affront to the right of a particular group of people to have a different civil code not only from others but also among themselves. And 'Khap panchayets' should be allowed to dispense their own brand of justice for the sake of honouring their own set of civil code under a verily Indian brand of secularism which according to you, mustly be very different from it's 'Western' variety. And may be we should also propose chopping the hands that steal just so that we are not accused of being partial to our own kind.
“Secularism means everyone is allowed to practice his/her religion” OR “Secularism is supposed to allow free will to religion”
@Sid termed it as rubbish. You think that's the only way for India to go. Reality is that in India this very "allowance to practice his/her religion" and "allow free will to religion" has been taken as an allowance to practice every possible variation of religious bigotry and exploitation of religious freedom by all and sundry. Religion, which is a personal matter of faith has been allowed to be displayed on the street. And IMHO the fault lies not with the so called practitioners’ of different faiths, but with the very definition of secularism that you seem to prescribe for India as its ‘path to peace progress happiness and the only way to survive’. Just think of the recent predicament of the female IAS officer in UP, it says more than what sundry OP-EDs and comments therein usually do.
@Lt Col Imtiaz Alam(retd): Colonel Saheb, Why unfortunately? I have not understood the logic of your feeling unfortunate. please, I would like to know why is it unfortunate? sir, the world is not Pakistan where army decides what is fortunate and what is not for others.
Bangladesh will have to take care not to confer martyrdom on those that thrive in public perception of persecution. As for those that wonder why BJP is not banned: So far as I know there is nothing in Indian Constitution that forbids formation of a Party devoted to a particular religion. A Secular State by definition can not be for or against religion & can not be for or against irreligion. However,the Election Commission (EC) may not grant recognition to such a Party for election purposes if its aims & objectives are to subvert the Constitution to establish a Theocracy as per requirements of its particular religion. At no stage BJP (est.1980) or Indian Union Muslim League (est.1948) or Akali Dal (est. 1920) have advocated a Theocratic alternative to a Secular Constitution. Not so far. The Word is protected, even if the Spirit is dented.
@Darbullah - One more variation to @afzaal khan' post
First they came for the Ahmedis, and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t an Ahmedi. Then they came for the Hindus, and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Hindu. Then they came for the Shias, and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Shia. Then they came for me, and I blamed foreign hands (RAW, Mossad, etc.) or pretended that those killers cannot be true Muslims or Proposed talks with them. or Blamed drones for them coming after me.
@Sid: “Dear Mr Sid, You are right when you say;- "1) A secular government SHOULD never allow religion to interfere in matters of policy. 3) The space of religion should be restricted to non-political spectrums.
And you are not fully right when you say "2) It should implement a uniform code of law for all its citizens, irrespective of their religion." What you have said is the western version as in the West over a period of time most of the states are overwhelmingly mono religious and some what unicultured. This way they had similar civil practices. Those who have come from other countries and sought citizenship were asked to fall in line. This subcontinent has had a very unique set up on this earth. From the beginning people have been adapt to multi religious society with different regional cultural/religious practices. AND all over the subcontinent they never had uniform civil code. Leave aside different religions, People of the same religion have different civil code. Say for example in south and central India in many regions marrying own sisters daughter is perfectly valid. In Kerala or many Eastern regions where matriarchal society flourishes it is fine for the boy to shift to girls house, after marriage, and the girls own the property. In such circumstances is it right for any one region or religion to force its civil code and say it is right? Well then the answer is to do what you have called nonsensical or rubbish that is "Secularism means everyone is allowed to practice his/her religion” OR “Secularism is supposed to allow free will to religion” Because in our context this is the path to peace progress happiness and the only way to survive. And this is what has happening here from ages. So please accept the subcontinents definition of secularism and drop the western view. Regards
Congratulations! Bengalis are Bengalis first and last. And Bengalis are Secular and people with Brains - they know what is good for them!!
the general people of bangladesh are secular. they would do it even if there was no India. what is India doing here? bengalis are not extremists in nature. there was no serious riot in Bengal even when the subcontinent was divided in 1948, compared to other parts of India or pakistan. they are tolerant and caring, fun loving people. religious but open minded. religious extremism is never welcome here. so, these sorts of activities are very easy for the government to do against jamaat.
It's high time that for the betterment of the country that we take a similar bold step to enforce law amendment in our constitution like our yesteryear's country men to restrain "All Islamic Branded Parties" from the country's politics; They may allowed and forcefully supported to perform social welfare activities.
@Omar: Just quoting Iqbal wont help.Is there less of changezi in Pakistan and it is all there because of religion. Iqbal meant a secular Islam,not a fanatic islam.
@ZZQ: Do you even know what secular means? Seculars are supposed to allow freedom of religion in the social sphere but secularism means there can be no religion in the political sphere. You may practice any religion you want but it can't be mixed with politics.
@Shahbuddin Md.:
I second your opinion wholeheartedly and feel elated to find out that Bangladesh is learning from Pakistan's experience. Bravo Bangladesh! This news makes me happy and I see a ray of hope in the subcontinent. I reiterate that religion, absolutely necessary for the spiritual nourishment of humankind, has got nothing, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, to do with the state. Otherwise, it becomes very hard for for the state to ensure an even handed approach in anything.
T Khan Malaysia
You all in this board may be surprised to know that the number of comments about this incident on Bangladesh News Papers are not even one fifth of the comments here. Why Pakistan people are so upset. It is Bangladesh friends not Pakistan.
Both India and Pakistan need to learn from this.
Communal parties like Hurriyat should be banned for inciting ethnic cleansing of Pandits from the Kashmir Valley.
@JI Supporter: Hey don't judge any one like this. Most of Pakistani Muslims forefathers were non Muslims as well.
@Razi:
Razi, your house is burning with fire, don't offer water to quell the fire in next house, better you keep this water to preserve your own house, which is set fire by your own people. Suggest you to correct your house before pointing fingers to others, when one finger pointers to others other 3 fingers point towards you., learn from self.
when you set your house in order, all fingers showed towards the opposite person would signifies as helping or thanks hand rather than single finger pointer.
Unfortunately BD is not a declared Islamic State.
MEANING OF SECULARISM Secularism: is the principle of separation of government institutions, and the persons mandated to represent the State, from religious institutions and religious dignitaries.
Please read about it before going on to make statements like: "Secularism means everyone is allowed to practice his/her religion" OR "Secularism is supposed to allow free will to religion" and such rubbish.
1) A secular government SHOULD never allow religion to interfere in matters of policy. 2) It should implement a uniform code of law for all its citizens, irrespective of their religion. 3) The space of religion should be restricted to non-political spectrums.
Just a little reading of about 2 hours should give you sufficient information.
@Lala Gee: You are incredibly India centric. In fact i doubt whether you can even exist without thinking/talking about India. Tell me, if your house is leaking and decrepit, how does pointing fingers at leakages in another person's house help you?
Pakistan should follow suit.
@Babloo
If BJP is a secular party, then pigs may as well fly!
@Omar wrote "Did not know there are so many who hate religion. Shame on all of you."
No people hate the hatred that JI has promoted in the name of religion. JI stop selling religion polluted with evil politics.
@Shahbuddin Md.: You are absolutely right! Pakistan is a medieval stone-age country because it has been reduced to that status by corrupt politicians, military, mullahs and religious bigots. Although Bangladesh is still a developing nation, its economy is much stronger than that of Pakistan which, as everybody knows, is a failed and bankrupt state. Bangladesh has taken a very wise decision; Pakistan can learn from it instead of blaming the entire world for its self-made problems.
VHP and RSS do not contest elections , they are social organizations. BJP is a secular party with many muslim office bearers.
@B
I wrote "prime minister in line" not current prime minister. This is how obsessed you are with defending Modi.
@Water Bottle It really is futile arguing with someone who is so allergic to reason, and actually has the nerve to claim that Muslims killed Muslims in Gujarat. Add to that the fact that sarcasm is so beyond your ken, and you are better left to your own special world.
@Lala Gee: "Now India will follow the good example set by Bangladesh and ban VHP, RSS, and BJP. Congress should hurry and do that before 2014 elections."
How India-centric you are, Lala Gee! More Mirza's are needed in Pakistan, and less Lala's!!
@ Lala Gee
Look at the reaction of right-wing Hindus on my suggestion to ban BJP. They will go to the end of the world to defend their extremists and ultra right-wing murderers but when it comes to Muslims or Pakistan, everything that suits them is fair. Actually it is the deep-seated hatred of Islam that manifests itself in various ways. Since they don't want to admit it openly, they use other means to come across as impartial. But the moment you point out a logical next step, they show their true colours.
@Parvez
Your rejoinder @JI Supporter is right on target.
Now India will follow the good example set by Bangladesh and ban VHP, RSS, and BJP. Congress should hurry and do that before 2014 elections.
@JI Supporter: You asked : What do you expect from Bangalis who are half-Hindu . Answer : You expect rational progressive thinking.
Over reacted?
جدا ہودین سیاست سے تو رہ جاتی ہے چنگیزی
Did not know there are so many who hate religion. Shame on all of you.
Jamaat is a criminal organization from top to bottom. Jammat and associate organization are the slaves of Evil.
Pakistan cannot be secular unless it breaks away from Muslim League ideology and disassociates with the politics of Jinnah.
@Razi: In the light of Asian Human Right Commission's report of July 19, 2013 on Pakistan, as mentioned in my comment above, what sort of a country is Pakistan? Is it an Islamic or Democratic or Secular country. The report infers that the two major parties that have been the only ones to form the government repeatedly, viz. PPP and PML-N are both involved in such shameful practices. The entire muslim community in Pakistan, not just the government preach and practice these acts. This is what the report says. In India there are more political parties that have attached "Islam" to their names than parties that have attached "Hindu" to their names. BJP is "Bharatiya Janata Party" Party for the people of Bharat (India). How many political parties you can name that has "Hindu" anywhere in their registered names and how many political parties that have "Muslim" or "Islam" in their manes. How many Muslim Leagues are there in Pakistan, including the ruling party Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz. This is what that differentiates between the mindset and thinking of India and its citizens and Pakistan and its citizens. When Indians talk of India they do not talk of hindus but all its citizens and all its religious communities, whereas in Pakistan when they talk of Pakistan, they talk of only Sunni Muslims, not even Shias, let alone Christians, Hindus or Ahmedis.
Many Pakistanis are wishing the same for their country, however, just wishing won't do it. If Bangladesh courts and governments are taking such actions, it is because the general public believes in this principal.
How many of ET's Pakistani readers can TRULY accept other cultures and religions? Their secularism is so shallow that a small piece of news from India or somewhere shakes them up.
Giving the current situation, even the biggest (rational) supporter of Pakistan can't hope for the country to get out of this mess.
This is how we,Bangladesh bet pakistan, pakistanis should cry becoz its against muslims and they can't do anything.
What sensible people. Hurray for secularism. This is why Bangladesh is outstripping Pakistan in all measures of progress.
@Razi: "Their prime minister in line is a hard core secularist with a great record of development"
He is the Chief Minister and not the Prime Minister. This is how little you know and yet accuse.
Good news for Bangladesh. Idhar Pakistan main kab ho ga ye. Common man is really scared with these mullahs and extremists. We cannot function normally unless these extremist parties banned here as well.
@Feroz: salute to you. i agree.
Many here are calling for Pakistan to follow Bangladesh. Deviating a big, we heard so much of Bangladesh model for Pakistan before the May 11 elections. Coming back to the topic, can Pakistan ever become a secular state. NO, NO & NO.
Reasons: Read this latest report of Asian Human Rights Commission, released just two weeks ago. http://www.humanrights.asia/news/ahrc-news/AHRC-STM-136-2013
What do we read: (1) Pakistani muslims can go to any extent to abduct, rape and convert young hindu girls. (2) Almost all conversions are of girls aged between 12 and 18 years of age. No boys are converted. (3) Even woman assist their men in these acts and the entire muslim society of Pakistan supports, cooperates and encourages these acts. (4) The Chief Justice himself met the abductor of Rinkle Kumari during Friday prayers and congratulated him for converting a Hindu girl to Islam. (5) Courts and police support, encourage and provide cover for such activities. (6) Many such abductors belong to ruling political parties and have support of chief ministers of states. (7) Every month at least 20 such girls are abducted and converted in one province alone. This is continuing non-stop for the last 65 years. What would the total number of such abductions of 12 - 18 year old minor hindu girls over the last 65 years for the entire Pakistan? (8) Hindus cannot keep their girls even within their homes as the abductors break in and take away their girls. (9) The entire muslim society, including the courts, law enforcement do not allow these girls to meet their parents. (10) Muslim men even tie Rakhi in their hands, observe hindu customs and declare that they are brothers of these girls, just to abduct, rape and convert them. Remember the big issue Pakistanis made when they saw video of Ajmal Kasab with yellow thread on his hand? * *(11) All these girls are sold off to others after the muslim men had fulfilled their lust.
Is this what Islam is about? With this version of Islam being followed, not by the mullas, but by the educated, moderate and progressive Pakistanis (including Chief Justice) is there ever any hope for the country?
@Bengali: If that is indeed the case, then Bangladesh owes a big THANK YOU to India for saving their country from the sectarian fires waging in West Asia.
Great and courageous decion by Bangladesh judiciary. Compared to it, just look our cowardly, pathetic, power hungy judiciary, freeing Islamic terrorists, persecuting liberal, secular persons in Pakistan, acting as a front for Islamist right wing groups.
Pakistan has no future if it continues down this path of religious fanaticsm. Firstly, Pak Constitution must be revamped, keeping religion out of politics and public life. Just take a look at our Islamist country. murders, bombings,attacks, all around, an almost faileed state, begging for help and money from China to USA, at the bottom of human development index of the U.N. All its Islamist discriminating laws should be completely abolished.
Religion should only be confined to one's private, home life. Learn a lesson from China if we think it's our best and most loyal friend. Religion has no place in China's public life, which is the secret of its success besides hard work. Do Chinese wear hijabs, have long beards, wear ankle Shalwars, waste time in religious rituals, keep women in chains, etc ? Abuse and misuse of Islam will spell the doom and destruction of our nation, as is evident today. If we don't stop this self destructive way and don't become a modern nation, we have absolutely no hope for propserity or even survival.
What do you expect from Bangalis who are half-Hindus.
@Yasir Shaikh: so why didn't jamaat bring them back?
@afzaal khan: You are mixing things up here...its is the rabid Islamist who would come after you and slit your throat etc. if you don't heed their version of religion...Bangladesh, by taking this poison of religion out of the system has taken itself to a higher league
In Sufism there is no hatred and Sufi never ban anyone to attend and participate his meeting and congregations even non-believer are welcomed.What kind of sufi group who went to court to ban the people
Such extremist (so called Islami) parties must be banned universally. I hope Pakistan follows the suit.
@Realist: "If you ban the democratic Islam,..." Democratic Islam? That is an oxymoron. Proof? Look at Pakistan, Egypt, Tunisia. "...it will only pave the way for militant Islam!!" Threats go only so far with Democracies. Again, look at Pakistan, Egypt, Tunisia.
@Razi:
"Their prime minister in line is a hard core secularist with a great record of development. And he also went out of the way to save minorities during acts of genocide, so obviously he should be allowed to lead. "
That part, you are actually correct. He is a secularist with a great record for development.
He couldn't do anything because muslims ASKED for the violence during Gujarat riots. Muslims are responsible for their own loss in Gujarat, in case you didn't know.
In other words, muslims killed muslims in Gujarat riots.
@Razi:
You are wrong. BJP is not a non-religious party.
But BJP is not a religious extremist party.
There's a difference.
@Bengali: So Indian govt. bought the judges...........I didn't knew India was so powerful........
Without, any exaggeration, it is probably the best news of my life time. Hats off to Bangladesh that is the real Pakistan!
@Saim: "hope our SC opens eyes now !!" . Once PTI has placed itself slightly to the right of JI, SC has summoned IK to explain what are his party's plans for the near future.
Now this is a sign of a progressive nation. Salute to Bangladesh.
@afzaal khan: I think it should read like this First they came for the Ahmedis, and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t an Ahmedi. Then they came for the Hindus, and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Hindu. Then they came for the Shias, and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Shia. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.
@Realist If you ban the democratic Islam, it will only pave the way for militant Islam!! The court has handled democratic islam The military will handle the militant ones.
After everything said then done, Muslim countries east of India will be Muslim, but rich and progressive. Muslim countries west of India will be Muslim, but poor and violent. A great divide!
Down with fascist religious parties.
I am no supporter of JI or its ideology. But those who are demanding that same be done to JI in Pakistan are doing so out of ignorance. Pakistan's constitution is Islamic by nature & JI manifesto ( probably) aligns with it accurately. Hence there is no way you can ban JI. We are so paralyzed politically that we cannot frame an anti terrorism policy what to talk of amending the constitution.
@Shahbuddin Md. Pakistan does have extremist problem which will be overcome in one way or other , InshAllah . But your sweeping judgement is unwarranted & only depicts a small heart & a narrow mind. Please grow a heart, you are MD after all.
no one is crying.
How can Pakistan do it ? its constitutionally an Islamic state and Islamic doctrine now totally permeates the system starting with the oath of the president or the prime-minister or the judges. Its too late for Pakistan.
@Water Bottle I am sure you guys will soon ban BJP. Oh, I forgot... BJP is a truly secular party with zero religious or communal agendas. Their prime minister in line is a hard core secularist with a great record of development. And he also went out of the way to save minorities during acts of genocide, so obviously he should be allowed to lead.
All giggling and jumping fellows here, not aware of biased decisions of present Bangladesh Government and Court.
Why this is a politically motivated and useless decision: Bangladesh is stuck in an economic downfall resulting in a decline in average standard of living across the country and an ever increasing proportion of the population living below the poverty line. The government has been recognized as more corrupt than ever and the financial embezzlement at all levels of the government have severely disturbed the development projects on which a large segment of the population is dependant.
Amidst these multiple crises, the most important issue identified by the Bengali government and judiciary is to ban a political group which supports and participates in the democratic process of Bangladesh (compared to other militant/terrorist groups which are engaged in an armed struggle in Chittagong and elsewhere in the country).
The Jamaat e Islami is a big political force in Bangladesh now and with a heavy presence in rural Bangladesh, it will definitely be able to put up a massive resistance movement against this decision which will only result in bloodshed and instability in Bangladesh (which is the objective of the Indian government).
Sadly, they are punished for being loyal to Pakistan to the very last moment in 1971 war. They were born in East Pakistan but were true patriots. I am shocked to see how many Pakistanis here are busy cursing those people who laid down their lives along with the Pakistan Army to stop the separation. They didn't asked for any recognition, no medals, just asked to be accepted in Pakistan and to be shipped back to Pakistan from the poorest living conditions in their camps but after more than 40 years, no politician ever took a step to bring them home. Congratulation Pakistan. (P.S. I am only a history student, not a Jamati)
Sadly, they are punished for being loyal to Pakistan to the very last moment in 1971 war. They were born in East Pakistan but were true patriots. I am shocked to see how many Pakistanis here are busy cursing those people who laid down their lives along with the Pakistan Army to stop the separation. They didn't asked for any recognition, no medals, just asked to be accepted in Pakistan and to be shipped back to Pakistan from the poorest living conditions in their camps but after more than 40 years, no politician ever took a step to bring them home. Congratulation Pakistan. (P.S. I am only a history student, not a Jamati)
Why you people are so pleased when Islam is pushed to the wall?? Everyone is praising a banning of Islamic party of contesting the elections and is highly happy... It may be good for you but its very bad for Islam...
First they came for the communists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.
Then they came for the socialists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.
Oh wait doesn't count they are Islamist so its all ok carry on please sorry to intrude :)
I can bet you if we did it it'll be considered blasphemy and the judge will face Salman Taseer like consequences! We're deep down in a ditch, it'll take some nerves and strength to come outta it!
Way to go Bangladesh. From East Pakistan to Bangladesh and now a secular nation. Hope left over Pakistan too takes a lesson from its former half brother and becomes secular, else her troubles will continue.
@Nadir: Let see when Mr Munawar Hassan declares Jehad against Bangladesh.
@Realist: Jamaat-e-Islamic believes in militancy and is one of the largest terrorist parties in Pakistan as well.
Kudos to my Bengali Muslim brothers. They have made great gains in the few years after independence. It is not surprising that they wanted to be free from us. Can anybody imagine would they make this much progress if they were still under us? Sad to see that every country of the region is making progress while we are still a haven for global terrorists.
I bet there will be Jasla against this in pakistan........
@Realist:
How is that? In Pakistan mullahs have open hand and look where Pakistan is. You must ban the evil.
Good on u Bangladesh. Anybody not obeying the country's constitution must be punished.
Wow! th a sorry picture of self proclaimed seculars.... Secularism is supposed to allow free will to religion and here they are banishing one party on grounds of religion...
Pathetic
Yeh cheez..!!!
Bangladesh is truly a country to be admired for staring at its ugly history in the face and refusing to shove the filth under the carpet of expediency. As long as it is able to maintain its secular orientation and tackle challenges head on, it has a very bright future that can serve as a beacon for all of South Asia. It is also a shining example that a Muslim majority country can be secular, liberal and progressive. However it has to be alert to foreign forces and funding of the Wahabi / Salafi kind that will try to derail its secular orientation and progressive outlook.
Great Job Bangladesh!
Now JI Pakistan will be outraged. If only they would register such outrage for the terrorist groups that are killing Pakistanis day in day out.
At-least Bangladehis have the spine to stand up to the clergy ! Now its our turn Pakistan...
Pakistan definitely needs to learn a lot from this.
Religious extremist parties have no place in democracy.
If you ban the democratic Islam, it will only pave the way for militant Islam!!
Excellent news. Now please do the same in Pakistan.
Great decision, when are we implementing the same policy, no religious cards in politics.
and its about time too
Good for Bangladesh.
hope our SC opens eyes now !!
Hurray. When will ours do the same?
Good judgement or otherwise Bangladesh also will become a failed and terrorist nation like Pakistan.