The biggest English language literature festival, the Dhaka Literary Festival in the country, begins on 17 November in Dhaka at the premises of Bangla Academy for all literary enthusiasts.
In this day of inauguration both local and international writers, journalists, book admirers were present to delight the fest.
The discussion on 'Communalism across the Border' deliberated by Shamsuzzaman Khan, Jahar Sen Majumdar, Sajjad Sarif and Semanti Ghosh with Ahmed Reza took place in the lawn of Bangla Academy from 2:15pm to 3:15pm on Thursday.
The communalism lit its flame before 1947 by the British government and 'educated' politicians led India towards the partition. The British government's active role in segregation of the Hindus from the Muslims rooted todays fanaticism regarding religion. In these issues, somewhere the unity and humanity does not stand in independent Bangladesh or India as it was in Indian subcontinent, discussed by the honourable panelists.
Now, according to Jahar Sen Majumdar, we the humanitarian people confront three kinds of country, one is: a lost one, and the second is: an existing country where dissatisfaction is everywhere and the third one is: a country never existed but we have to build it as we desire to.
Unfortunately, the border took place in the country which is becoming extreme in the mind as well as and which is far more dangerous to flame any riot. As Majumdar added "after 1857 we lost our backbone." Religion as the troop of political gain has assumed an aggressive role to all over the world. The poison of communalism is taking roots from one country to another.
This part and that part of the Bengal became the binary now, the panel shares. This word 'communalism' has been injected in our blood, in our culture by the oppressing ruling class. This entire situation is political and it has haven given the name of religion.
Even now-a-days, hatred towards one religion to another is not hidden anymore rather it has became a discourse to be proud of which is spread for the political advantages, thinks the panelists.
Communal identity works behind recent incidents of violence in Bangladesh and India. The thought process has been changed. Religious identity is now becoming the only nationalistic identity which is problematic and this is a new problem arousing by the influence of politics, assumes the panelist. Thus, the torture upon the 'minority group' is increasing immensely.
Cultural revolution is inevitable and practising culture is must to break the boundary of people's hearts regarding this religious fanaticism and riot, with this hope discussion on 'Communalism Across the Border' ends.
