Diversity is the hallmark of our collective identity; across continents and centuries, myriad cultures, traditions, and belief systems have flourished, enriching the human experience with unique perspectives and practices. Yet, alongside the celebration of diversity, there exists a shadow -- communalism -- an ideology that threatens to unravel the very fabric of our society.
Communalism, at its essence, is an ideology rooted in the assertion of one religious or ethnic community's dominance over others. It thrives on the politics of identity, fostering a sense of collective belonging while simultaneously alienating those perceived as “other.” While religious differences often catalyze communal tensions, the underlying motivations encompass socio-economic disparities, political disenfranchisement, and historical grievances. Communalism manifests in various forms, from violent clashes and hate speech to systemic discrimination and exclusionary policies.
While communalism has been particularly pronounced in regions such as South Asia, its reach extends beyond national borders. In the Middle East, sectarian tensions have fueled conflicts, tearing apart communities and destabilizing entire nations. From the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar to the rise of white nationalism in the United States, communalism rears its head in diverse contexts, highlighting the universality of its pernicious influence.
While communalism often masquerades as religious enthusiasm, it is fundamentally antithetical to the core teachings of all major faith traditions. Every religion in the world has a message of peace. Religion has nothing to do with violence.
The holy book of the Muslim community, the Qur'an contains numerous verses condemning violence and oppression. In the Gita of Hinduism, Gita Shastri Jagdish Chandra Ghosh says: “The present age is the age of religious harmony. There can be no religious hatred in the heart of a Hindu.”
The principle of Buddhism is non-violence. The Tripitaka of Buddhism mentions the Eight Noble Paths. If someone is a traveler of these eight paths, then there can be no talk of sectarianism and hatred in him. Love is emphasized in Christianity.
Through dialogue, understanding, and solidarity, we can overcome the barriers that divide us and forge a path toward communal harmony
If there were actual Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and Hindus, there would be no violence in the world. The sixth of the 10 commandments of Judaism is, “Thou shalt not kill.” If the Jews had followed this message of their religion, they would not have been able to kill people in Palestine. Every religion emphasizes preaching, but nowhere is it called for to do so through violence.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation, stands as a towering figure in the struggle against communalism. In his Unfinished Memoirs (p:63-71), Bangabandhu describes how he, along with his other political colleagues, tried their best to prevent the riots and protect, help, and rehabilitate the affected people when Hindu-Muslim communal riots broke out in Calcutta before partition in 1947.
In the 1960s and 1970s, when Hindu-Muslim riots erupted multiple times in old Dhaka, Bangabandhu was always present and played an important role in preserving people's lives and property. And while doing so, he was attacked by rioters.
After independence, the constitution drafted adopted “secularism” as one of the basic principles of state governance. Despite facing opposition and violence, his unwavering commitment to secularism and pluralism laid the foundation for a society that embraces diversity and tolerance. His legacy demonstrates the transforming power of creative leadership in the face of community strife.
Religion does not lead people astray, but people become fanatics due to their ignorance. As we navigate the complexities of our increasingly interconnected world, let us heed the lessons of history and the wisdom of our religious traditions.
Let us reject the politics of division and embrace the values of compassion, empathy, and solidarity. Through dialogue, understanding, and solidarity, we can overcome the barriers that divide us and forge a path toward communal harmony. By adopting the universal values of compassion, knowledge, and mutual respect, we may create a future in which variety is valued, and unity reigns supreme.
Apurba Mogumder is an Apprentice Lawyer, Dhaka District and Session Judge Court.
