My response to another reader's comment on the The Daily Star, Dhaka

Published in News From Bangladesh on November 4, 2007.

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I was enjoying Talha's article from the onset until I found the reference to Anglo-US, Raw-Mossad conspiracy. Such conspiracy theories are quoted liberally by many to enhance one's argument when there isn't otherwise much meat. I agree that it appears that Jamaat has not engaged in the kind of reckless politics that the two leading political parties (BNP and AL) had engaged in over the years that severely hampered economic development and poisoned the political scenario. We haven't read about major allegations of corruption against Jamaat either. But that is where their credibility ends.

Not only has Jamaat not publicly apologised for their anti-independence role in Bangladesh's war of liberation, not only have they not shown remorse for the role of Al-badr, Al-shams etc., but a Jamaat leader recently had the audacity to claim that there were no anti-liberation forces in the country. The fact remains that Sheikh Mujib pardoned these war criminals and Zia-ur Rahman rehabilitated them politically. Both past leaders thus had sown the seed of Jamaat's permeation in today's body politic.

The present caretaker government has the sincerity to undertake initiatives where both BNP and AL in the past have shamefully let us down. The recent effort to try these war criminals (given unambiguous proof of such allegations I must add) deserves support. It will cleanse the soul of our country from original sin. Such people have no place in Bangladesh's politics no matter how clean in terms of corruption.

From a personal point of view, I also agree with any effort that prevents the emergence of religion based politics. Islam has brought peace, strength and comfort to billions around the world. It has also given birth to beautiful architecture and scientific advancement (in the past). But put this religion or any other in the same bed as politics, history or current events will show us that that is a toxic mixture that eats away savagely at the hearts and minds of unsuspecting elements of humanity.