South Asia Citizens Web

It has been and is my biggest relief to be among people who are sane enough to be against this practice of subjugating women through veil. But finding so many friends and fellow rights’ activists among those protesting France’s ban on Burqa is shocking and disappointing both. The anti-ban crowd comprises a range of viewpoints – from ardent Islamic, to moderate, to new-age Islam, to seculars, to antitheists and so on. Most heard argument from almost all of them has been their unflinching ‘concern’ for women’s choice and freedom to choose what they want to wear. To me, this strong sounding argument remains flawed, inconsistent and self-contradictory.

A brief report by a two member fact-finding team of Human Rights Forum, Andhra Pradesh looking into the alleged arson, rape and killings in the Dantewada area in the second week of March 2011.

So, what was the Islamists’ take on the World Cup semi-final? Apparently, the radical religious elements either retreated into the shadows or were themselves affected by the frenzy generated by the media. Perhaps, the prospect of defeating India, considered an infidel, momentarily tickled their fancy. Individually, though, we all draw some strength from our faith and our beliefs and pray for an outcome of our choice. It would be the same for people in other societies, irrespective of their religious identity. Still, sports and athletic competitions have to be secular in nature. Playing good cricket has only a peripheral importance in the business of establishing a tolerant, knowledge-based, liberal society that is not held hostage by extremist and obscurantist elements.

On the eve of the 40th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh, we think it is indeed important to consider inclusive citizenship, not only in terms of race, gender, religion and sexuality, but also in recognising foreign nationals who are long-term residents of Bangladesh and have been active participants of the national/political community.

Prominent Delhi musicians performed in solidarity with Dr. Binayak Sen at the ’Justice on Trial’ events held at the Alliance Francaise de Delhi on the 6th April.