Is Shahbag Championing Secularism in Reality

Foreword
Shahbag is exciting. A unique movement, a ray of hope forSouth East Asia. It is the one which brings
forward the question of religion and state, atheism and democratic rights. It challenges the economic
base of terror in the name Islam, the religion. It challenges the cultural base of terror deeply rooted into
the education system in the name of Madrasa. In fact, it tells us the story of failed state which is running
from pillar to post; from British regime to current E-age. The impact of Shahbag will be far reaching and
inspiring for future, irrespective of the outcome and achievement. This article focuses on the question
“Is Shahbag Championing Secularism in Reality?" in brief.
Bangladesh adopted its constitution in 1972. It declared Bangladesh as a secular state. It also identifies
secularism as one of the main pillar of the constitution. There were major amendments to the
constitution thereafter.
Eighth amendment – 1988, HM Ershad
The Eighth Amendment Act was passed on 7 June 1988. Through this, Bangladesh adopted Islam as state
religion.
Why Shahbag charter of demand does not include abandonment of Eighth amendment?
As I have understood based on limited personal interaction with the leadership, Shahbag charter was
made with common minimum understanding and demand. Secularism is not a demand by Shahbag
supporters. In fact, to a lot of them, a state without an official religion is unacceptable.
Stand of Gonojagoron Moncho(GM) about Atheism, Secularism
GM, is de facto representing the movement in absence of professional political leadership. It was
incepted in a hurry at midst of the movement on 19th February. The exact articulated stand of GM in
many key sensitive issue is still not clear. However, they oppose the idea of adopting Median Charter as
constitution proposed by AL. At the same time, the leadership is keen to prove their commitment to
Islam. In fact, they claim that they represent Islam in true spirit without a shade of terror. They also
seem to eager to get rid of the “atheist” tag quickly. One of the turning point of the movement was
assassination of Rajib Haider on 15th February. He was accused of posting provocative blogs defaming
Islam. Though there are many grey areas about what actually happened, whether Rajib really did it, GM
projected him as a victim of conspiracy. On many occasions, GM has been critical about atheists as they
are not sensitive about the situation.
Bottom line: Though GM does not have a hard line stand about atheism, its stand in favor of atheist
rights and secular constitution is still not clear.
Stand of Awami League about Atheism, Secularism
Sheikh Hasina did not reject the 13-point agenda by Hefazat. Instead in a spirit of true Islamist, she has
asserted that the country will be governed according to the Charter of Medina. Needless to explain
further that this stand does not encourage secularism or atheism in principle. In fact, many fears that
the subjective judgment of many clauses may actually give state afresh weapon to counter any
movement or declared followers of communism in particular.