On Shariah law and secularism
It was with sympathetic interest that I read Ambassador Ashfaqur Rahman's defense of the compatibility of religion and secularism in today's world, particularly Bangladesh (DS April 21, 2013). I hope the learned envoy does not begrudge my pointing out that perhaps he is being somewhat optimistic when he suggests that the Shariah law can co-exist with modern day secularism, albeit with some adjustments.
Evidence from every corner of today's world point to the fact that the Shariah code has certain elements that are fundamentally incompatible with the modern understanding of human rights: the inequality of genders with regards to divorce and custody, the second class status of non-Muslim citizens, and the almost obsessive preoccupation with what people eat, drink, and wear are things that come to mind almost immediately.
Perhaps someday the Shariah code can evolve to being more compatible with modern day thinking about liberty and equality of human beings. Until then, please forgive me if I rather prefer that Bangladesh be governed by its imperfect Constitution which, at least in theory, assures that the state should generally keep out of its citizens' modes of worship, manner of clothing, and eating preferences.
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