The worst atrocity resulting from bloodthirsty jihadis, who misinterpret a faith tradition, in Bangladesh capital Dhaka has created shockwaves worldwide.
Such a jihadi mentality has turned Pakistan into almost a failed state. Bangladesh which has chosen a democratic way of life has been developing economically steadily. Its garment industry worth over £25 billion attracts visitors and buyers from various countries.
Twenty-two people were killed when Islamic militants stormed a cafe in Dhaka last week. Most of the dead were foreigners. ISIS had immediately claimed responsibility for the carnage.
Almost within hours of it, triple bombings took place in Saudi Arabian cities. Four security guards were killed and five more injured when a suicide bomber struck near the mosque in Medina where Prophet Mohammed was buried. The death toll in Baghdad was the largest, but the growing threat in Bangladesh is a recent phenomenon and with much more serious overtures.
Sadly Pakistan, created as a safe abode for Indian Muslims has been completely proved to be otherwise. The fact is both in Pakistan and Bangladesh, most of the minorities (Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists) have been driven away, while those few left are constantly persecuted. At the time of Partition, erstwhile West Pakistan had some 15% non-Muslims. Today their number is perhaps less than 2%. In erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), the Hindu population was around 23%. Now it is less than 9%.
By forced expulsion, conversion or ruthless murders, a Muslim nation does not become peaceful and pious and such a clear lesson is there to be seen in almost all Muslim majority countries. These tragic events remind us all how worldwide jihadists are becoming successful at exploiting poisonous domestic terrain in order to advance a global agenda.
In today's world such an authoritarian, brutal and inhuman notion is not acceptable even to a devout Muslim. Misguided criminals and bloodthirsty individuals or groups are bound to fail. They, in spite of all the bloodshed or a sort of 'fame' for a few moments, cannot and will not succeed. The state machinery is always, especially now, more powerful and effective against such opportunistic or violence-prone individuals of criminal bent or group of such people. The international community also has a role to play. The onus lies more on the rulers and supporters of the Muslim majority countries.
Most of the Islamic countries with bumper financial resources of oil or other minerals are almost universally undemocratic and authoritarian. The Western democracies have failed, sad to say, to inculcate the norms of governance in such states which are in a way used or misused to meet their short-term gains.
Another message from the Bangladesh havoc is also a matter of serious concern. The terrorists were or are reasonably well-educated and from middle class families.
For jihadis, demography or differentials of economic or other wellness is not an impediment when their minds have been poisoned by a misguided philosophy or belief. Unfortunately, no outsider can influence such a wicked mind. It is those societies which give them succour have to also instil certain values of peaceful co-existence. Those within such folds should wake up soon and take all necessary steps to marginalise such a hostile mentality.In this unpleasant atmosphere the only consolation is Indonesia (largest Muslim nation) and India (Hindu majority but second-largest Muslim population). The world can take a cue from these two countries where minorities co-exist peacefully with the majority community.
