(I have reproduced this from a Facebook post I made in July2019)

The Bangladeshi Lady and Trump

19 July 2019

I would encourage Bangladeshis not to take a nationalist line on the complaint that this lady made to Trump about the persecution faced by non-Muslims in Bangladesh. See what Hindu nationalism is doing to India and Indian Muslims. Minorities should be defended and supported.

Minorities are usually the weaker groups in a society or a country and are often very vulnerable from prejudice, hate, exclusion and violence from some sections of the majority. The majority in a country are usually oblivious of minority experiences and their fears and worries. It is the supreme duty of the majority to ensure that minorities are safe, protected and enjoy equal opportunities.

By taking a hard line on the lady and her family, by many Bangladeshis, it would only confirm their intolerance and increase support for the lady and her message. Does anyone think that any legal actions against this lady would produce results similar to other recent legal actions in Bangladesh taken to silence or punish people for alleged wrongdoings? I don’t think so. I think this lady will get more worldwide publicity and will become some kind of a heroic figure, backed by Trump and the right-wing in America and worldwide. The fear of Trump will mean no one in authority in Bangladesh will initiate any action, legal or otherwise, against this lady.

It is better to show the good things in Bangladesh and disprove the allegations made by this lady, by presenting facts and valid arguments. This approach will be more effective. Rather than vilify her without attempts to refute her with facts, which will only be counterproductive. It is better to show that her allegations are wrong.

It is easy to be angry on social media and show outrage, but it is more important to be honest, truthful and civilised about the issue. Otherwise, we will all suffer from the consequences of emotional responses based on disgust, anger, etc.

Please engage with our minorities, make them feel safe, listen to them, understand their everyday experiences and address problems and issues that arise from nationalism, hate and prejudice. If anyone from the minority, as well as from the majority, were to engage in false and wrong propaganda to defame a country then it would be more effective to prove them wrong by facts and arguments

Nationalism, bigotry, prejudice are all ingredients that create evil, conflicts and violence. Shun these and become rational, empathetic, engaging and tolerant.