Marilyn Thipthorpe

What has this world come to-intolerance and resentment, violence and strife-that’s what!
I remember a time when I was young; it was a new Bangladesh, glistening from its newly emerged bud. Everyone and everything was in harmony, working side by side, educated and civilized. I remember all those festive Christmas’s, those rushing days of Eid and not to mention the madness of Puja it was and is no crime to be happy in the happiness of other- or is it?
Those days of Christmas gifts, the wining and the dining, the dances and the frocks have dwindled down to a mere few. The days of enjoying the sacrificing and the ‘haul’ of Eid is a thing of the past, the days of drowning of statues and spraying of colors is a thing of the past.
There has been a recent uproar by the people in the recent news of Islam being removed as the official religion of Bangladesh.
This came following a string of extremist attacks on people of minority religions all over the country. The High Court is still discussing the options and string of events that might follow this decision. Will a label really change things for us as a nation? We have already changed ways so much; just take the festival of Holi celebrated just a few ago in various spot around the city. Never have I ever in life faced such prejudice and shame at being a Bangladeshi. I personally celebrate as many festivals as I can, permitting time, I’m not saying that everyone must or even should do this but if someone does then why disrespect them.
Like the many years before, I had just walked out from Shakhari Bazaar, all mired in colors of the rainbow full of spice and joy and being a part of something bigger in life.
I stood on the sidewalk looking for a rickshaw. People passed giving me looks ranging from ridicule to disgust. Some shied away from me, fearful of contamination, some spat as they passed. Not finding any form of transport I decided to board a bus, but was declined to climb on board, claiming there were no free seats even though I could see clearly that there was.
I stood enraged, tears of frustration swimming at the corners of my eyes. Seeing two CNGs not far way I crossed the street and asked them if they would take me to my destination. Just beside me stood a pot bellied inspector sergeant and a beat cop. Both of them looked at me from top to bottom, mapping my form and mentality, ready to rip me apart with their eyes. One stated point blank that he would not go in the said direction, the other asked for an exorbitant fare.
I turned to the inspector and asked for justice in what either men has said all I got in return was a cold stare and a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders as he removed his revolting yellow sunglasses to give me a look of superiority. I walked ahead in desperation, night following my footsteps, “tauba’s’ and ‘chi’s’ following my wake. As I retraced my footsteps crossing the cops once more, the inspector moved his bulk off his bike and called out to me.
I walked up to him and was asked if I was justified in what I had just done. I total confusion I stared like a zombie at his face. I finally got the sense to ask him what he meant. He went on to ask my religion, namely if I was a Muslim. I asked him the reasons behind this inquisition; he said that it was his job to ask questions and mine to answer. I replied by saying that I had the right to keep my privacy; this was met with a cold smile and the question “Apni ki ukeel (lawyer)?” I said I was, he seemed to straighten in his seat, take me more seriously and in a meeker tone asked me if it was right that Muslims were partaking in the Holi festivities, especially Muslim girls.
I asked him if he had any personal problem or if anyone was causing havoc, he declined by said it was religiously immoral. I told him, it was not his place to judge what was morally right or wrong, rather to stay moral himself and leave the rest up to the powers that me.
His whole demeanor seemed to change, he got up from his bike and asked me where I was going and if could aid me in any way.
Not wishing to antagonize him after his change I told him if he could arrange a rickshaw or CNG it would be most helpful. He gave a half-assed attempt at the task and then sat back down, I told him not to bother and finally arranged a rickshaw on my own; he gave me a jolly wave as I passed him.
The scene on the streets was no better, comments ranged from ‘sexy’ to ‘atheist’ as I passed people on the streets, the situation turned almost nasty as a few men approached my rickshaw near a stop light the rage and insinuation of their actions were enough to alert my senses. The rickshaw moved forward followed by abuses and threats. Reaching home I breathed a sigh of relief.
I wasn’t afraid but confused. I had celebrated Holi before but I had never met with such antagonism before. I get it if you don’t want to celebrate a festival, that is your private right but dissing someone who does is a shame and not justifiable in any way or form.
The father of our Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and all the martyrs and freedom fights and intellectuals did not fight for this Bangladesh.
Their vision was of a country secure in its rights and identity. A secular country that would blossom and flourish with peace.