Blasphemy is a very sensitive topic in Islamic countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, where strong religious sentiments have led to mob violence and even death.
Blasphemy remains one of Pakistan’s most controversial laws. But according to Human Rights groups, accusations of blasphemy are subject to abuse, and are often made to settle personal vendettas.
Experts believe that political parties should play a more active role and aware people to curb the misuse of blasphemy laws.
Few years back, Mashaal Khan, a journalism student at Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardar, Pakistan, was beaten and shot dead by fellow students angered by accusations that he had posted blasphemous content online. In 2014, an angry mob in Punjab beat a Christian couple to death over blasphemy remarks, and Punjab Governor Salman Taseer was killed by his bodyguard after Taseer proposed reforms for the blasphemy laws in 2011.These types of incident happen now and then.Everybody knows the ordeal of Asia Bibi a Christian Pakistani woman-her conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court.
Despite criticism, Pakistan’s government has been advocating strict enforcement of blasphemy laws.The government also used newspaper advertising and text messages on mobile phones to warn People not to post, share or upload “blasphemous” material online.
Similarly, Tangail police in Bangladesh arrested Shariat Sarker a Sufi singer on Friday after receiving a complaint filed over his ‘blasphemous’ remarks about Islam.
Shariat Sarker, 40, who has been remanded to police custody following his January 10 arrest, during a concert in late December had allegedly criticized mullahs who oppose singing.
If convicted, Sarker could face 10 years in prison, according to media reports.
Political parties and cultural activists condemned the arrest and termed it as a violation of people’s rights to free expression and demand his immediate release.
Shariat Sarker belongs to the Bauls of Bengal, an order of group of mystic minstrels. There singers have conveyed a message of love, harmony and peace through their folk songs for centuries.
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