An islamic nation with democracy
Reader comment on item: The Citizen of the 21st Century: How Far, How Fast?

Submitted by syam rudra (United States), Jul 23, 2002 at 20:19

Thank you Dr Pipes for commenting that Turkey is a democratic nation. Here you missed a link. Never a muslim majority nation blipped in your radar screen, named Bangladesh founded on the principle of freedom, democracy & secularism. The nation fought a heroic battle against Pakistan army for independence, linguistic & cultural right. More than million civilians were slaughtered by Pak army. It was a genocide in Indian subcontinent. West never extended even moral support and remained silent. But nothing daunted them, in 1971, a soverign nation 'Bangladesh' emerged under the leadership of Mujibor Rahaman. He was the architect & founder father of modern Bangladesh. He was assasinated in 1975 by military coup.

In 1990 the people battled in the street against military general Ershad and restored democracy. since then the country never looked back. Parliamentary & judicial system has taken firm root.There is no place of sharia in legal system. Freedom of press, right of minorities & tribal people is well guaranted in constitution. The right of women as par comparable with western democracy. Ten percent of parliamentary seat is reserved for women. More than million women employed in garment industry. Even young women represent in world beauty contest, in national athlets & sports, that is unprecedented in islamic world. Empowerment of women is rallying cry of the nation. The nation stands on a rich cultural heritage that is totally different from Arab hemisphere. There is a sharp
difference between Turky & Bangladesh. In Turkey, army is the defender of democracy. In Bangladesh, people defend democracy. My request to Dr Pipes, please look at this nation with great care.

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Daniel Pipes replies:

Good points, thank you.

DP