Secularism is Back

Ashley Bennerson

10/7/2010

1:51 p.m.

The article is about the High Court rules that Bangladesh is a secular state. Since the state is secular now, everyone has religious freedom, and therefore no man, woman or child can be forced to wear religious attires such as the burqa, cap and dhuti which was stated in the verdict. Though no one is forced to wear religious clothing, nobody is prohibited from wearing them either. The courts also directed educational institutions not to force students to wear religious attire. The High Court came to this decision after the government was asked to explain why forcing women to wear religious attire should not be illegal. In a report on August 22, it stated that the principle of the college at Natore Mozammel Haque stopped cultural activities and sports, and prohibited students not to come to the campus without wearing burqa. The principle was suspended while there was an investigation, thus ending in the decision that no one can be forced to wear the religious attires, it’s a choice.

When reading this article, one question that was raised for me was, I know that wearing the burqa is a religious practice, but does not forcing people to wear the attire make them feel not as connected to their religion. This is a question for me because clearly they feel that wearing religious attire makes one feel connected and in compliance with their religion but when wearing the attire becomes a choice, do they feel like they aren’t being loyal in a way. The word secularism a system of political or social philosophy that rejects all forms of religious faith and worship, and if Bangladesh is secular, does this mean that the people are rejecting their faith?



http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=157212