I promised I would respond to all your questions, so to be fair I am going to go by them in order of your postings. I will also try to group issues together to keep them relevant and prevent my posts from becoming needlessly long rants.
The first issue many of you have raised is the Awami League’s agreement with the Khelafat Majlish (KM). I can understand your concern and at first when I heard about it I was completely opposed to it as well. However, when I looked at the details a different picture emerged. What was widely reported in the media was completely taken out of context. The AL did not agree to anything! It was the KM that agreed to our conditions.
On fatwas and blasphemy laws, let me reiterate categorically that we did not agree to enact or change any laws recognizing religion. Fatwas are illegal under the law and we will do nothing to change that. However, whether we like it or not fatwas are being issued by men in villages and used primarily to persecute women. Every year hundreds, perhaps thousands of women are stoned to death, flogged or paraded naked through the villages based on fatwas issued by any man in the village. And the villagers actually believe that this is what the Quran allows. That is the ground reality. The KM has agreed to spread the message that only clerics have the right to issue fatwas and not just any man or village elder. That is a critical first step in stopping this barbaric practice.
The BNP gave recognition to degrees from unregulated Quami Madrassas. That has already been made into law. We are not responsible for that. But since they are being recognized, the best thing to do is to regulate them so that they can be brought up to a national standard and to ensure that none of them are used as terror training camps.
Finally, the KM agreed that they recognize Bangladesh as a secular state and will always support that. They have publicly stated that all minorities will be respected and protected. How is that a bad thing? If anything, this is a victory for secularism.
One of you brought up the long running debate that the AL helped the rise of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI). Apparently, we partnered with JI in order to fight the rigged election of 1996 by the BNP. The fact is that was a combined movement of all opposition parties, everyone except the BNP. The JI joined this movement. Never at any point was there any form of an agreement between the AL and the JI. The JI clearly wasn't a part of our government from 1996 to 2001. On the contrary they partnered with the BNP in the 2001 elections to try and defeat us.
Here’s a little known fact that I am now going to reveal. In 1991 no party won a clear majority (151 seats). The JI approached Sheikh Hasina and offered to partner with us which, combined with some other smaller parties, would have given us the majority necessary to form a government. My mother could have been Prime Minister right then, but she turned it down. That is principle.
The Awami League will never give up on its secular principles. We are not anti-religion and wish to represent the entire spectrum of our population. That is why we have such a variety in our coalition, all the way from the left to the right. But the AL, and I especially believe in a strict separation of religion and government. It is the government’s duty to ensure that everyone has the freedom to practice whatever belief they choose, but religion has no place in government.
I hope that lays this issue to rest. With regards to some of your comments, let me address some of the minor ones quickly.
Someone asked if I was the real Sajeeb Wazed. Yes, I am. I have not asked one of our people to put up a link on AL’s website, but check there in a few days. It’ll be up. Thanks for the idea.
Thanks for all your greetings on my daughter. Kristine and I have named her Sophia Rehana Wazed. I can’t even begin to tell you how much joy she has brought into our lives!
I see criticisms of dynastic politics are still being raised. What is telling here is that this one particular comment was made anonymously. I don’t presume that I can barge in and become Prime Minister! I don’t really even want to be in politics and I have no plans of running for office anytime soon. Right now I am just another member of civil society raising my voice for what I believe is right. My hope is that my voice is heard louder than most, especially by the largest political party in the country. And did this person just call us a country full of illiterate, emotional types?
I started this blog not just to put out my thoughts, but to get feedback as well. I welcome criticism and I will answer it the best I can, but the criticism must be fair and deserved. Otherwise, it’s just propaganda.
I will have another post up, hopefully tomorrow with the next topic that was raised. I would like to thank all of you again for all your positive feedback and support.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
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21 comments:
Thanks for the post - it was semi-fat free - not completely. A couple of questions for future posts.
What do you think was the lesson from the AL from this KM incident?
Now that corruption has become a mainstream political issue (ie. political parties will pay higher prices if they don't do anything about it beyond lip service), what are your thoughts on this?
How do you intepret the unprecedented popularity of the current caretaker government? (Please don't give any simple/naive answer like it shows BNP was corrupt...)
Again, look forward to some "fat-free" discussion.
Dear Sajeeb,
You wrote: "And did this person just call us a country full of illiterate, emotional types?"
A close reading of my earlier anynomous comment will reveal that I meant precisely the opposite - i.e. the nation is looking forward to some intelligent discussion from the leaders/future leaders. Not some grandiose/emotional claims as both parties made in the past. It is our leaders who thought we are illiterate and emotional - hence the prevalence of cheap rhetoric from both parites. I am sure you would agree - at least in private.
"Every year hundreds, perhaps thousands of women are stoned to death, flogged or paraded naked through the villages based on fatwas issued by any man in the village."
Comments like this will decrease the credibility of your post. I am being honest here. Readers may wonder that you are not in touch with Bangladesh - hundreds of women are NOT stoned to death (although technically you could be correct since you add the comment that they are flagged right after the stoning part).
Hi,
thanks for your write-up.
You said by allowing only "certified mullahs" to give fatwa, you have taken the first step toward secularism. Isn't that a funny claim? Bangladesh High Court categorically banned fatwas in the country. How come there can be two different authorities giving verdicts?
Also, the contract indirectly encourages branding Ahmadiyas non-muslim. What about that?
Thanks.
--Bilash, Columbus, Ohio
Hello!
I'm really quite impressed with this blog idea. Good luck with it! I also wanted to say that I wish your little girl all the very best in life. I know (through your mother) who she is named after...it's a person who was extremely close to me and I suppose still is in spirit. I always wanted to name my daughter after her. I don't know if I'm ever going to meet your daughter but she'll always have a very special place in my heart!
All the very best!
Hello Sajeeb,
I came across your blog today. Interesting would be an understatement. I was trying to find out more about you recently due the the accusations of questionable earnings and ownership of property in the US leveled at you by one, Tarique Zia, who I understand is currently busy avoiding the attention of the joint forces. So it was bit of a shock as well as delight to be able to correspond with you directly this way. Thank you for this opportunity.
Can you please explain your role in the AL. I am confused, you seem to speak with strong AL authority when you say "Fatwas are illegal under the law and we will do nothing to change that." However, then deny being a politician or having the aspiration to be one or hold office.
Without sounding negative, is this a PR campaign to test the waters and raise your profile? Have you not already been elevated to privileged position because of who your are? Especially, if you can already speak with concrete certainty about the future and authority without being an office holder in the AL.
Is this not what we are accusing the prince of the BNP off?
On a separate note. In your profile, you only mention your academic and professional status but not the political interests and importantly connection to the AL and of course your mother.
Please do not be offended by this cynic, I am sure this is start of a long fruitful and enlightening discussion. Certainly hope so.
Congratulations to you and your wife on becoming parents. Perhaps you can post some pics of the baby.
Look forward to your reply.
MU From London, UK
I have read your post, but I find yout response on the issue incomplete. The agreement between KM and AL clearly shows that "qualified clerics will have right to issue fatwa". Which means the current ban on issuing fatwas will be anulled so that clerics can, in fact, issue fatwas without being persecuted under the current law. That will require abolishing the current law. There's no second thought about it. I think it's quite a childish opinion to suggest that it was just so that KM will educate people as to who can issue fatwas and who cannot. It is definitely true but incomplete - it is also true that if the grand alliance wins the election they will have to change laws to allow "qualified" clerics to issue fatwas.
You also have not expressed your opinion on other points in the agreement, for example, that no one will be able to criticize and abuse the Prophet and his companions. I want to know what is your stand on this - clear and unambiguous.
I am a Muslim, and I prefer to be called just that. Although nowadays Muslims like me are more frequently termed Islamists. Yes, I believe if Sharia is implemented then it will make Bangladesh a better country, and I will work for that through democracy.
I can see that you are a secular, not that I expected any thing different. But I am really willing to see a complete response from you on this issue. Your response so far has been far from being exhaustive. So I will be waiting eagerly.
Nah, your blog on the Awami League is both muddled and evasive! It does not explain the AL's complicity with religious bigots and its competitive display of religiosity at per with the BNP. I am afraid the Awami League has somewhat regressed in this matter over the years--indeed, your grand dad had a more sophisticated grasp of this issue than either you or your mom!
Please write about what you want others to know about you and your thougts.
Do not even consider wasting time rebutting accusations from other blogs/sites.
We’ve found no strong protest and enough clarification from AL side to media. If they claim themselves logically clean why didn’t they stand upright? Why were they silent in this case? Do you know how many millions of votes they’re gonna pay for that? In my point of view, it could be a flawless victory in such an easy game.
Please keep up wonderful posts!
P.S. – I thank AL for bringing Yes-Uddin down! And I’m not fond of ideology of any particular political party. But, of course I’m biased, biased to Human race and 71.
Disclaimer can be found: http://www.TanzimSaqib.com/disclaimer.htm
An interesting thread of discussion about you is running on http://www.drishtipat.org/blog/2007/02/07/say-no-to-dynastic-politics/#comments
I am not happy about your defence of the fatwa issue. No one is qualified to issue a fatwa in a secular country and simply saying that it's a fact of life doesn't absolve AL's actions. And, although agreeing with some of Urchin's points, I absolutely believe in a secular Bangladesh. If we were defined by our religious identity, then why bother having the war of liberation? I forgive the AL a lot of sins because I believe that the essence of AL is the belief in a secular Bengali identity. Now it seems that they're straying further and further from that ideal. By accepting fatwa's as a fact of life AL has set a dangerous precedent and one that will certainly, at the least, cost you votes. I also see that you haven't addressed the blasphemy issue. To what extent will you defend the right of people to criticise religion? In your opinion is it wrong to criticise religion? Just because Quami madrassah degrees were recognised by BNP, does not compel AL to do so as well. To ask a more mundane question, how about the Sunday holiday issue, that the CTG is (apparently) addressing? I know I'm bringing up a host of questions, but maybe you'll address them gradually.
By the way, this is for MU from London, let's go a little easy on the guy. At least he's got a blog! That's more than what you can say for the other lot!
dear joy...
thanks for ur writing on the agreement signed between The Awami League and Khelafot Majlish.
Bangladesh became an independent country after a long struggle led by our father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
it was a country which belived on secularism as the Bangabandhu tried to respect everyone whatever the religion is ...
Bangabandhu never compromised with such kind of so-called political party like khelafot Majlish...
we, those who belives on secularism and spirit of liberation war could not accept such kind of Memorandum of understanding (MOU) as the MOU gave 'fatwa' legitimacy..isnt it ?
do u belive that people's of Bangladesh belive on Fatwa ?
do u belive that peoples of our country belive on socalled Shariah Law ?
do u belive that peoples belive on idelogy which gives the islamic parties legitimacy ?
every one who loves Bangladesh..who loves Bangabandhu ...who depend on Sheikh Hasina to make Bangladesh for the future..... could not accept the deal with Khelfot....
i would be happy if u informe me ur opinion in this regard...
Joy.. if u dont mind ...i want to inform u that most of the Khelafot leaders are linked with islamic milintant groups.... who were engaged with conspiracy against Sheikh Hasina....
i could tell you in details if i would get any opportunity to talk with you directly or over phone in future.....
now i want to tell you something about the war criminals....
we the new generation think that the war criminals should bring under prosecution even the Jammaat should be banned.
what do u think ? could u pls inform me ?
AL president helped Shaheed Janani Jahanara Imam during her movement in against of war criminals but later AL goverment did not take any measure in this regard...... but what the result AL got ?
the result is heinous attack of 21st August.... not only on Sheikh Hasina.. but also Bangladesh itself attacked by the BNP- Jamaat govt by that hated granade attack.
BNP- Jamat govt tried to make our country a relegioys based country... so that they could stay in power for lifetime.... and the Khelafot was partner of BNP- Jamat to implement the blueprint in against of AL...
now u can think.... i hope u will answer me...
take care
Disappointed. Very disappointed.
I wrote about the AL-KM MOU in an op-ed in DAILY STAR, Dec 26.
"Hasina's Ulu-Dhoni Moment"
http://shobakorg.blogspot.com/2006/12/hasinas-ulu-dhoni-moment.html
You have earned some respect by opening a line of communication - possibly a first amongst Bangladeshi politicos. But it is a long way from here to legitimacy as a representative of the Bengali people. At the moment, if you enter politics - and you win - are you willing to ask yourself why? Do you seriously believe that you have 'earned' your position with the AL?
I was in Dhaka when you visited a couple of years ago and the crowds that were bused in by the AL to stand by the side of the road and cheer (and block traffic) both saddened and disgusted me. They were there because of who your mother is and who your grandfather was - not because of what you have accomplished. As long as you are unable to see or acknowledge that, you will remain unworthy.
I find your apologies for the Khilafat fiasco unconvincing and disingenous. I believe that you are capable of being better - of taking a clear stand for secularism and condemn the nose of the fundamentalist camel that has entered the AL tent. Except, I think that the camel is well inside the tent and comfortably seated! I will begin to respect you if you are willing to stand up to the revisionists and the apologists - but I am not holding my breath.
On a different train of thought, in case you have forgotten, the AL government that ruled until 2001, particularly in the late stages, was the most corrupt government that the country had experienced to that date. All around, people were seeking relief from the mastans and tha chandabaj gangs that were sultivated by the AL leadership. We thought anyone -ANYONE ELSE - would be better. Unfortunately, we were wrong - VERY WRONG! But if you want to gain legitimacy then you have to confront the rot and the evil and the corruption that permeated AL during its leadership and likely continues to this day.
Last, but not least, if you aspire to be a leader - a politician - and an honest one, you have to confront the callous culture of 'hartals' propagated by AL. Something that was done with total disregard of the well being of the people. The killings, burnings, destruction and sufferings that were instigated by the thugs and mercenaries hired to create trouble - can we expect an apology from someone? Or does it not matter in the quest for power?
You know what the difference between AL and BNP is? In 2001, AL tried to do all of the same things that BNP tried in 2006 - except it did not go far enough and it failed to hang on to power. This made it very bitter (and determined). So it tried to subvert the democratic process by boycotting the parliamentary process. That did not work so well - so more drastic steps had to be taken. All the while, the MPs, to the best of my knowledge, did not decline the perks of the office. Pretty good deal - having your cake and eating it too! In 2006, having seen how AL tried and failed to rig the process in 2001, BNP did the same thing - except in its zeal, it went too far! By trying too hard to rig the system, it carried things so far that even the placid Bangalis were aghast and their chicanery blew up in their face.
but don't let that comfort you too much. There are thousands of totally corrupt AL party leaders who have taken their turn raping and pillaging Bangladesh when they were able to. There is not a single reason why they should be allowed at the trough again. As the saying goes, fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.
I'll support AL again when it is led by people who are willing to admit and confront their mistakes and take steps to rectify them. But once again, I am not holding my breath.
In the meantime, good luck with the blog and best wishes and congratulations on the birth of your daughter.
In a drishtipat blog, I made the following comments that were generally directed towards those in your position who inherit dynastic politics and the conditions they find themselves in, which insulates them from what real people think. It was a general assessment, and I commented at the end that I did not think you had the wisdom to see beyond flattery and criticism to see the real truth.
My harsh assessment was based on how you are bending over backwards to defend the indefensible-- the agreement with bigots in Khilafat-i-Majlish. These are people who are taking Bangladesh towards the path of Pakistan--starting with declaration of Ahmadiyya as non-muslim, followed most certainly with sectarian shia-sunni violence. Also, your party's leadership fails to understand that the downfall of the AL in 2001 was not a result of conspiracy, but the embrace of criminals like Jainal Hazari. Also, you delude yourself into believing there is democracy in your party. Please find out for yourself after doing some independent research based on publications at that time what led to Dr. Kamal Hossain's expulsion in 1991. I repeat no one in your party leadership survives after having displeased your mother. Is that your sense of party democracy? Compare that with republican senators who have been critical of Bush. Have they been kicked out?
I should perhaps not bother about it as I doubt you will like what I have to say or even whether you will publish it; but I am sending it to you anyway just in case you find something of value from the perspective of a critic.
By the way, given the low level of academic accomplishments we are used to seeing in BD political leadership, I have to say that you have done quite well over here in the US. For that I am glad for you.
# Saleh Tanveer Says (in a drishtipat blog comment,
February 7th, 2007 at 5:49 pm)
The problem is not dynastic politics par se, but the baggage that these people carry–the profound sense of entitlement for merely being related to a historical figure. True the role of Sk. Mujib and Ziaur Rahman in our independence struggle cannot be denied–but that does not entitle their progeny to leadership position any more than it is allright to put some one in jail for the crimes of his/her father.
They are so used to being surrounded by flattering self-seeking sychophants that they start having elevated sense of their being. This distorts their perception and makes them equate their opinion with that of the `people’. It takes a wise person to see beyond flattery and adulation or to see genuine points in a harsh criticims. It does not appear that Mr. Sajeb Wazed has that kind of wisdom. Mr. Tarek Zia is of course in a league all by himself.
Hello. :-)
We will be waiting to make sure it is the real Sajeeb Wazed. I apolize. However, you may realize that we are from a country where nothing is as it is seen in naked eyes. Even the economist terms our economy as a paradox.
Keep on writing. Will it be possible for you to give your opinion in allowing Bangladeshi citizens living abroad to vote?
The same old doubter :-)
What if the constituon of Bangladesh was truly secular?
I have a sad childhood memory.
I studied at a very costly private school. At the beginning of every day, we had to utter words of Quran. I have nothing against Quran. Rather I respect each and every religion. And one of my exGf was muslim from Indonesia whereas I am a Hindu minority from Bangladesh. Now, my question is why was I "forced" to utter Quran verses at beginning of every day standing in assembly line. I can understand uttering the National Antheme.. but.....
just a thought
Hi,
First of all, Congratulation for being the first (I suppose) Bangladeshi political figure (or at least someone familiar with it) to have online presence. I am getting hopeful.
I came across your blog just a few days ago and hence my comment may be on some previous things.
First of all, the question of KM. If AL has not done what media accuses it of doing, why does it have to take the agreement with KM back? (According to Prothom Alo news). Should it not better tell us the "truth" what you have told online?
Secondly, do you or do you not agree that under current CTG, the people are much more relaxed? (Please do not comment that as I am abroad how I know for sure, because I know). Do you think any political party, be it AL, BNP, JI or any other, would have been able to put those people in jail even for a single day without people fearing that they may come out next morning? Do you or do you not agree that very common people of Bangladesh are relieved to see person like S.K Chowdhury, Falu, Pintu are in jail and they probably wont care if they are dead next day? And do you really believe that an AL govt would have put them in jail?
My point is that people are very smart and angry at the same time. Enough is enough. We frankly do not want any talking anymore. Be ruthless to every wrong action, you will be popular at this stage. We want a Dr. Mahathir Mohammad for ourselves.
Anyway, thanks again for your blog. At least now a citizen like me can talk directly "without being intimidated". I probably dont expect an answer from you, but I wish this effort of yours be successful and you will understand our feeling much better.
Regards
Riyan from AU
Respected Mr. Sajeeb
Regards. I was highly touched reading your some of the articles. It was pleasure to know some of your vision.
You are welcome to visit my site at http://issit.blogspot.com/ or www.issit.org
Thanks
Major(Retd) Mahmud
Consultant Trojan USA and ISSIT Ltd Bangladesh
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