The Weekly Thikana reached out to key leaders of Bangladeshi community to get their opinions on a number of questions: Why are some American Muslims youth drawn to harm America? How can it be prevented? What are the responsibilities and duties of their guardians in this regard?
Dr. Osman Siddique, a former American diplomat and second American Muslim ever to be appointed U.S. ambassador commented: "There may be a few people within the American-Muslim community who may wish to harm the United States, but since many members of the community are worried about their immigration status, they do not report to police any suspicious activities."
He also mentioned the special treatment Muslims are subjected to at the airports. Recalling his unpleasant experiences, Ambassador Siddique said despite living in America for 30 years, he still carried all his documents with him every time he traveled. However, he still frequently faces embarrassing searches because of his name and skin color. "I take everything easy, as I understand why authorities carry out such searches," he said adding: "Those who are not liberal like me consider such searches as disturbing and troublesome. They think they are harassed just because they are Muslims."
Ambassador Siddique opined American Muslims always consider America as their home and prefer to identify themselves accordingly. "The American Constitution offers freedom to practice and perform one's religion," he said and added, "We feel proud that we enjoy far more rights in America which the citizens of many Muslim countries do not have."
Professor Faizul Islam, Ph.D., a prominent international business reviewer at The Wall Street Journal stated that each and every mosque must be vocal in denouncing terrorism. "Terrorist activities must be vocally condemned in every community function and it must be highlighted that Islam denounces those who are involved in terrorism." He suggested Imams of the mosques to emphasize in their khutba (the religious sermon of the Imam during Friday prayer) that Islam is a religion of peace and humanity and no one has the right to spill blood in the name of Islam. "The community-based media should also launch a massive campaign against terrorism." He said authorities must be informed about any suspicious activity within the community.
Dr. Islam believes this was the only way to deter terrorists who might be hiding within the community. He acknowledged that some of those who were nabbed and are currently in prison on terrorism charges initially had links to mosques. "Therefore, if Imams and other officials at the mosques remain vocal and vigilant, we will defeat terrorism."
Haji Abul Hashem, president of the Brooklyn-based Bangladesh Muslim Centerand a respected construction businessman said: "Kids are not misled overnight. Guardians must watch the activities of their children." He believed that parents could save themselves from a possible agony if they immediately took appropriate action whenever they sensed questionable behavior in their children.
Abul Hashem said he educated many new generations of Muslims who visited his mosque about how Islam forbade spilling blood in the name of religion. "We inspire the new generation with the real spirit of Islam. We also need to remain vigilant so that the new generation can't be misled under any circumstances in the name of Islam."
Enara Islam, a Washington-based community organizer, said community activists must keep close liaison with the local administration. "Our socio-cultural and professional organizations can play a vital role in preparing our new generation to defeat terrorism," she added.
Ashok Karmakar, a New York-based attorney, said Muslim parents must talk to their children about the scourge of terrorism. The new generation, he added, must be taught religious values and informed that no religion allows killing of any person. It will not only stop the Muslim community's possible drift towards violence but also motivate the youth to own America as their homeland.
"All of us came to America because there was no security in our own country and there was no way to support ourselves to lead a decent life," he opined. "We are to acknowledge in our hearts the positive aspects of America and discard and avoid negative views."
