Editorial
Disgracing Lalon devotees
The fanaticism should stop
This time the mystic singers, whom we call 'baul' in Bengali, have become the target of wrath of some self-appointed saviours of religion. It is alarming that a section of the so-called religious figures, who are nothing but fanatics, would arrogate to themselves the right to determine who is a good or a bad Muslim.
It was an appalling report that appeared in this daily yesterday that some fanatics in Habashpur of Pangsha Upazilla in Rajbari forced some Lalon devotees to shave off their hairs and moustache to, what these extremists termed, "make them conform to Islamic ways." They were also forced to express penance in a local mosque and made to promise to shun the path of Lalon.
The bauls, who are mystical musicians and devotees of Lalon, a renowned mystic poet of Bengal, have been living in their own traditional ways, seeking the Truth in their own ways and living a life of mendicancy since the time of the great mystic poet and singer. And so far, nobody has treated them in the manner that they have been treated in this instance.
We have been observing with a good deal of concern the rise of intolerant and extremist behaviour on the part of some people in the name of Islam that border on bigotry and chauvinism. We also noted with alarm the harassment meted out to two female journalists by another religious organisation very recently. And the latest act is not only a blow to religious tolerance and the teachings of Islam, it is also a blow against our tradition and culture. These are outrageous acts that should not only be condemned, these must be also harshly put down.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments