With Islam being practiced by over 90% of the population, and the importance of faith in the lives of the majority of Bangladeshis, the fact that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wants to build 564 model mosques and Islamic centres in every district and upazila across the country, is an extremely heartening initiative.
What is even more impressive are the modern amenities that accompany them that are needed in this day and age -- with registration and training arrangements for Hajj pilgrims, imam training centres, research centres, Islamic libraries, an autism corner, and boarding facility for local and foreign guests being some of the most notable ones.
However, much like our mosques and Islamic centres are being built by keeping in mind the needs of the people and the times we are living in, so too must be the lessons that are disseminated from these institutions.
Millions of Bangladeshis turn to mosques and Islamic centres -- and by extension, imams and other Islamic leaders and scholars -- not just for worship and prayer, but to learn to become a better human being, a better Bangladeshi.
To that end, it is imperative that our mosques are not identified as sites for obscurantism and an inability to call a spade a spade. The onus here is on the relevant stakeholders, the imams, and Islamic leaders to stand united and send a strong message -- one that is progressive, logical, and above all else, condemning any and all acts of radical extremism and militancy.
It is a shame that we continue to have this battle against militancy. While we have made impressive strides for which the relevant authorities must be applauded, a strong, united message from our Islamic institutions condemning radical extremist behaviour in the name of Islam is the single best source for this message to come from.
As Bangladesh looks to make its mark on the global stage, nothing is more important than for us to win this fight against militancy. Our places of worship can and must become our biggest ally in this fight.
