Alpin is one satirical cartoon supplement of the Daily Prothom Alo, which claims to be the most popular Bangla Newspaper in Bangladesh. In the 6th page of its 431th issue a cartoon titled ‘name' was published (on Monday, September 17, 2007) which created much controversy in Bangladesh.
So what was in that cartoon? The controversy is not in the picture, rather in the text. The Bangla blogosphere took on this issue right from the beginning.
The text of the cartoon is a conversation between a boy and an aged person. Blogger Sudharam Sadhu posts the texts [bn] in his blog:
* Boy, what is your name?
- My name is Babu.
* It is customary to mention Muhammed before the name.* What is your father's name?
- Muhammed Abu* What's this in your lap?
- Muhammed cat
This appears to satire the culture of the use of Muhammed in Muslim names and nothing to disgrace the prophet itself.
However the Islamist political parties thought otherwise. The Daily Naya Diganta reports [bn]that Khelafot Andolon had protested aginst this at Baitul Mokarram Mosque in Dhaka by burning copies of Prothom Alo. Its Ameer, Maulana Shah Ahmadullah Ashraf stated:
(that) the cartoon indicates disgrace of the Muslim prophet by naming a cat ‘Muhammed'. Similar to the Danish Cartoon incident prophet Muhammed has been defamed in Muslim majority Bangladesh. He says Muslims use Muhammed in their names to pay the respect to the prophet. He demanded Prothom Alo to seek apology to the nation otherwise they demanded the Government to take strong action against Prothom Alo.”
No doubt this has instigated many people to react strongly against this newspaper. Check the comments section of the Daily Amar Desh report to get an idea about the outrage. You will also laugh at some stupid comments and I wonder how this newspaper approved them-probably they have a personal vendetta against Prothom Alo.
Prothom Alo gave in to all this and published an apology today [bn]:
We apologize and are extremely sorry:
…inadvertently an unedited, unapproved and unacceptable cartoon titled ‘name' was published…we are withdrawing the cartoon…and taking actions against the persons responsible for this.
Wow! Note the emphasis, they just don't want to face this and blame somebody else! They have removed the Monday's publications from their archives. What an escapist move!
Arif Jebtik slams [bn]Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman for his actions of suspending the editor of Alpin for his rescue:
I have seen the real character of the intelects of this country who cries out for Freedom of expression, freedom of speech and such popular tags in Matiur Rahman's actions.
However the Bangla Blogosphere is divided over this issue. Hasib comments [bn] on Sudharam's post:
This is an innocent cartoon. It is evident that the target is not the prophet himself. The retarded ones should read the texts again.
Tirondaz says [bn]:
The protests against these cartoons show the opportunist intentions of the political Islam. I have no support for these kinds of protests.
While Ummu Abdullah says [bn]:
Prothom Alo apologized, so the issue is over. The apology indicates they are also in doubt. This victory is for Bangladeshis. I welcome the protests.
Ziner Badshah comments [bn] in the above post:
In our parts of the world people add Muhammed to their names to respect the prophet…there is nothing religious about it…even if it is it does not add any value to anyone…but defaming this culture is like the same as destroying the Bamian heritage in Afghanistan by the Talibans.
And what a reaction was from the Caretaker Government! BDNews24.com reports that the Government has banned the debated issue of Alpin and more worryingly [bn] detained Arifur Rahman, the creator of the cartoon. The press and information department gave notification that the cartoon hurt the feeling of the citizens.
Kowsheek Ahmed is outraged [bn] by this action of the Government:
“Arifur Rahman achieved many awards for his cartoon. This time for a innocuous cartoon he was made victim of self proclaimed defenders of religious feelings. Now a days satire cartoonists are prone to these kinds of attacks. But this is happening in this dire time when we are crying that we are being more tolerant, claiming all piece of the world is embedded in this religion. The Alpin issue has been banned and the editor was suspended.How strange are our realizations. After the 22nd August revolution the Government has become so narrow in their views that a mere cat has instilled fear in them.”
For more hot buzz on this issue please read the Bangla Blogging platforms “Bandh Bhanger Awaaj” and “Sachalayatan” [bn].
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thanks.
i was not sure what was this all about. but pretty much got a full picture in this.
regards
Matiur Rahman, Editor or Prothom Alo, behaved as a chameleon by firing the editor of Alpin; to save his own back he didn’t hesitate to change his color immediately. As the editor of Prothom Alo, he holds equal, if not more, responsibility for whatever published in his newspaper. Once again this coward showed his ‘gelly-like’ personality to us. I am amazed that this CTG is holding meeting with the ‘Islamist Leaders’ of the country on this trifle issue! (bdnews24.com). Where should we go? The whole nation is in a total mess!!
Muslims sensivities on the Prophets (sa) dignity and respect is not unknown to the world and specially to someone from Bangladesh. Danish cartoon is an example. He should have avoided such calous errorand lack of judgement. Today it is a cat. Will tomorrow be a dog and what not?
Lets end it here with a sincere appology and forget about it.
“In our parts of the world people add Muhammed to their names to respect the prophet…there is nothing religious about it” - So how many non-Muslims has Muhammad before their name? Please be careful what you say. It is 100% religious reason why people put Muhammad in their name.
I wont say it was an innocent cartoon. Cartoonist is well aware of the current world, where islam is the victims. In the western world, ppl are deliberately hurting the Prophet (PUB)in the name of freedom of expression. They are intentionally doing this to prove muslim are intolerant. People over there cry foul when they see, their flag is burning due to angry muslim.But the same people fail to understand symbol of islam, what prophet(PUB) means to a true muslim.
Cartoonist is very talented, he was trying to touch the issue in a “seemingly innocent” way. No way, its not innocent and a deliberate attempt.Good news is for the cartoonist: windows of oppurtunities are opening up to settle in a western cournty where far-right political party is looking for this type of people.
I was sorry to read of this event.
I can understand the sensitivity of the subject matter at this time, not least when Islam is under attack from the West. Further, this being Holy Ramadan, it possibly was not well-timed.
Censorship has a long history. It is invariably prejudiced in favour of the prevailing views of the society in which it is practised. Its purpose is to prevent the expression of all but orthodox views. Ultimately, this can be very stifling to innovation of thinking and of development. It can also lead to the persecution of anyone holding non-orthodox views.
It reflects a fear within society that may be grounded in a lack of confidence, or a feeling of being under threat. Given the heightened tension across the world as Western governments follow America’s lead in creating Islamophobia, this doubt and threat is understandable.
In this case the matter seems harmless enough, but it has undoubtedly aroused strong feelings. While the consequences for those responsible for this event seem rather harsh, I wonder whether it compares unfavourably with the treatment of people expressing unpopular views in the West, where it is often claimed that harsh treatment (such as imprisonment or deportation) is justified to safeguard ‘public order’.
The idea of ‘free speech’ is an interesting concept. It is acceptable as long as it stays within bounds acceptable within the society in which it is expressed and many have suffered death for simply saying what they believed to be true. History is full of such examples. It is ironic that those expressing such views have often proven to be right.
that news paper must shutdown.
[...] When the country is being ruled by MOLLAS instead of ex World Bank people and (educated) generals, what do we get? Arrests and bans for stupid not funny cartoons like this. Report HERE. [...]
This is simply harassment. The cartoonist jsut wanted to show how superficial our religious attitude is and now the action of the govt. just proved him right. I feel sorry for this guy.
[...] Witz, abgedruckt in einer Zeitung in Bangladesh, hat, wie wir von Rezwan auf Global Voices erfahren, in dem größtenteils islamischen Land für ähnlichen [...]
“The idea of ‘free speech’ is … acceptable as long as it stays within bounds acceptable within the society in which it is expressed” - well done David Kennedy! All free thinkers and writers would do well to pay heed to this time-tested aphorism. What has been repeatedly vindicated through the ages is that truth is more often a victim of perception. The only consolation in all this is that truth seldom changes while perceptions do.
Was ich überhaupt nicht verstanden habe, wo genau eigentlich in dieser Karikatur der Prophet beleidigt wurde. Es ist zu mir eifach einen Witz was auch mit “Herr” oder “Frau” x, y verwendet sein könnte.
I think that what we all need to worry about is a ideology that has no sense of humor. It seems clear that if a radical believer in Islam activates a car bomb and destroys innocent lives - Muslims tuck their head and might say it is a shame. But is a cartoonist attacks an idea - perhaps even a myth - there is a bounty placed on his head and Muslims everywhere become offended. Islam is a frightening religion if it can’t take ridicule without declaring Jihad.
I am surprised to see the reactions of prothom alo. they just want to clean their dirty hand by simply punishing their so called contributor. This is their deliberate attempt to creat anarchy and chaos in the society that is already facing many challenges. Prothom alo should be punished for such heinous act of creating such unrest in the society.
Off course, every body has the right, freedom to express. But this does not give any license to hurt others by mockery fun particulary while one would be dealing with such sensitive issues concerning caste, creed and identity.
Western countries do not allow such mockeries particularly when one challenges the Holocast theory.
We should learn from them
Suman, Sie haben absolut Recht. Das ist, wie die Fanatiker ihre Weise finden. Dank!!
Quote: I wont say it was an innocent cartoon. Cartoonist is well aware of the current world, where islam is the victims. In the western world, ppl are deliberately hurting the Prophet (PUB) in the name of freedom of expression. They are intentionally doing this to prove
muslim are intolerant.
Perhaps this reader needs to watch TV or read the newspapers again. Perhaps he should take note of the censorship and repression in Muslims societies reported here at Global Voices. Perhaps he can explain why he thinks “Western World ppl” are making Muslims do what they do.
Muslims are intolerant. Period. It is Muslims that do these things. They are the ones that are attacking and killing. When will Muslims stop blaming others for their problems? In Islam it is always somebody elses fault, never Islam.
About “what prophet(PUB) means to a true muslim” is also a good topic for debate. I suggest that Muslims read their own traditions and see what their dear prophet really did. The traditions are very clear and it is not a nice story. Mohammad did not treat non-Muslims with “dignity and respect” except when it was convenient for him. The life of Islam’s prophet explains much of what we see in Islamic societies today.
Oh yes, about the cartoon. It is something called satire, aimed at the superficial religious attitudes among many Muslims. I doubt that Muslims can understand this simple message.
Also, Islamophobia is a stupid word. It is a term that Muslims love because it places the blame on others (again). It makes it easy for Muslims not to take a hard look at the hate and violence in their religion and the way Muslims treat others. Maybe, just maybe, who knows, quien sabe, what is called islamophhobia is a natual reaction to the hate and violence continually manisfest in Islam. This is the cycle: Muslims preach hate and do bombings. People in West condemn Islam and are suspicious of Muslims. Muslims cry ‘islamophobia’. Repeat cycle.
Jay kactuz
PS: The future will not be nice and I blame Islam. When Muslims start treating others with dignity and respecting the rights of non-Muslims then things will improve. Probably never.
I think that this is where we forget everything and try to pose sensitive and religious not by being pious but being paranoid.This cartoon was actually directed to MULLAHS not to Muhhamad,PBH. I believe many of those MULLAHS are definately not as they should be.ISLAM IS A RELIGION not A CULT.Unfortunately when fingers are pointed to those people who claim to be the so called religion- representatives, they cunningly propagandize and give air to fire the foul feelings. This is purely anti-islamic. Come my friends, Islam is a religion to practice.Islam means peace.And this is the time Bangladeshis realize before its too late.
Jay,
I think you are generalizing traits of some Muslims as traits of the whole Muslim race which consists of different cultures, communities, countries, colors. I am sure we all want to fight this intolerance of some people and understand the truth. I hope you find the debate in the Muslim world regarding the incident not single tracked and curved towards intolerance. And I hope you noted that these words not always represent the Islam you have your mind.
Only through debates we will make people understand the way towards the truth and realization. Blanket generalization of people will only increase more hatred and create differences.
Respect People’s belief, whether he atheist, hindu, jews or muslim.Please don’t heart in one’s sensivity…learn to respect
Is this a new cartoon? I am sure I heard this joke years back when it was acceptable in Bangladesh to share a laugh without being worried about ultra-sensitive people
Sometimes I am thinking: What is the impact of this cartoon to Islam? Does it really defame Muhammad’s name? Prophet itself pardoned a lot of enemies without seeking apology but his followers can’t. How much people can learn from his lifestyle?
This goes on to show that the present government is indeed a fundamentalist supported and dependent one. They have so far been blind to fundamentalist extremist activities and the ones who backed them up. They went as far as saying that “May be Jamaat did not do corruption.” Is this the picture of democracy in our country? No thought control eh?
My father is a freedom fighter…but i wanna get the hell out of this country becoz i wanna live as a human being. I wanna excercise the rights i have by virtue of being a human being. In this country, i’ll get killed if i say that some thing is wrong in a religion. I dont even see any chance of a change…how can one change the mind set of population??
The cartoon incident shows how much boot-licking some editors do to stay alive…to what extent we hav surrendered to the most abjects of mysticism…to what extent we are fundamentalistic…
Once again…i am disappointed, and ashamed that i cant do anything to change this country the way my father did.
To the general Moin (who’s the real president behind the ‘borka’ president)…may be u shud take a look around and watch what happens to military rulers that shake hands with religious leaders…
To all bangalees and/or bangladeshis, plz dont let this country plunge into darkness…millions of sons and daughters bled for it…dont kill the dreams…
I just can’t imagine that we have lost our sense of humor. There are lots of jokes about Mulla’s in our country. Similar jokes were published in Islami Chatro Shibir’s Magazine “Alor Shondane”, they named Kodu as Mohammed Kodu. How come no one says anything about it? The person is 20 years old. If your Iman is so weak that you can’t even tolerate that? I think you all need to learn your religion better. Don’t be Muslim just because you are born in a Muslim family. Be a Muslim by teach you faith better and stronger. There are lots of jokes in Saudi about the way we name our child. If they joke about it, simply see it at misunderstand between the cultures. Be a human not a animal. Bunch of people replied in this article are stupid enough to show, how weak is their faith and showing off their anger to prove they are better Muslim than other. You all bunch stupid. Iqra… learn in the name of Allah. None of you follows the path of our Prophet Mohammed (PBH) but you go crazy for his name, such an idiot. People like you gave bad name to our religion where Islam is religion of peace. And your believer act the opposite of what you religion teaches you. Learn Islam properly. What our Mullah & Maoulana teaches about Islam is not true Islam. They use it for their bread and butter, they our people are so weak that they can easily manipulate you and make you weak to gain own personal benefit. So, learn before you act. If true Islam comes to Bangladesh, those Mullah & Maulana, Pir & Dorbesh will be first to be wiped out as we have seen it in Saudi Arabia by Imam Wahaba. Purify yourself and then your society and the nation.
hi,
thanks for posting the text and the aftermath. Anybody who has read and absorbed “1984″ would see the amazing part about the newspaper even removing the issue from its archives- this event never happened. At the same time as religious feelings are offended, cartoons and humour are the last bastion of legitimate criticism. If even this is not tolerated by the so-called keepers of morality, I really shed tears for “sonar bangla”!
d_c
[...] covers another Muhammed cartoon controversy in Bangladesh. And what a reaction was from the Caretaker Government! BDNews24.com reports that the Government [...]
Further to Fiate’s comment (#20): Yes, you have seen this joke before. The following entry was posted on the South Asian chatgroup “SouthAsiaContact@yahoogroups.com” in response to the Prothom Alo controversy. (Note: This
very active and wide-ranging chatgroup has carried several thoughtful commentaries on the Prothom Alo controversy.)
The hypocrisy of the Mullahs
A joke published in Islami Chatra Shibirs Magazine
November 1998 Edition Page 87
Under Children¢s Voices
Courtesy of Somewhere in Blog
http://images.somewhereinblog.net/phpThumb/phpThumb.php?src=../bba/images/sujonmcblog_1190217050_2-kk2.gif&w=0
http://images.somewhereinblog.net/phpThumb/phpThumb.php?src=../bba/images/sujonmcblog_1190216928_1-kk1.gif&w=0
From: Robin Khundkar
Given the furore raised by the Mullahs about the Muhammad Biral (Cat) joke and the subsequent arrest of the cartoonist by the bangladesh Govt and abject grovelling by the Prothom Alo (leading Bengali newspaper) Management by apologizing in writing and sacking the Magazine sub-editor responsible for publishing the joke!
It is interesting to see that the Mullahs and their student arm themselves published a similar joke a few years ago in one of their publications. []
Teacher: Kalu what is your father’s name?
The Boy Kalu: Sadek
Teacher: You impertinent boy! You should say Mohammed before a name.
A few days later
Teacher: Kalu what has your mother cooked at home for dinner today?
Boy: Mohammed Kodu (Pumpkin)
Sent in by Muhammad Masud
MMEC Madrassa, Feni
Makes you wonder why people cant take it a little easy in their lives..making a mountain of a mole hill seems to have become the global refrain.
It also must be said that that’s the problem with humor..no telling when it is going to cross the offensive limits. I am not muslim..but i would guess it is a big deal to call a cat as mohammad. I felt bad when they started printing ganesh on flip flops. But that didnt mean i went out burning stuff. Just my personal opinion.
Here is a good video about Free Speech and Muslims in the UK.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcDEj3go1gw
[...] satirical cartoon supplement of the Daily Prothom Alo, one of Bangladesh’s most popular dailies. Rezwan from Global Voices gives us more background information: “In the 6th page of its 431th issue a cartoon titled [...]
[...] has been two weeks since Arifur Rahman’s cartoon “Naam” was published which prompted the Bangladesh police to take him to jail and lock him up [...]
[...] Noor schreibt in E-Bangladesh: “Vor zwei Wochen wurde eine Karikatur mit dem Titel “Name” von Arifur Rahman veröffentlicht, die die Polizei von Bangladesch [...]
Mohammand and Allah need no one to defend their name
it is ridiculous for Islamic believers to act like little children yet they are not children. as they retaliate with threats and anger at the point of a gun. The G d of the jews destroyed those who mocked him and he protected the prophets who came in his name. If Allah is the same G d then he will do the same he never changes. wake up and see that G d is all powerfull does a grown man in the military need protection of a newborn baby. NO neither does G d or a prophet of G d. realize accept that killing others is not right self defense if they attack you physically you are allowed to protect and if need be kill in order to survive. But, G d does not need nor want your help
sincerely
angel
#4 MLA
You are asking how many non-Muslims has Muhammad before their name?
As far as I know, only one, Babu´s cat.
[...] Arifur Rahman, accusato dal governo di attacco alla sensibilità religiosa per via di una innocente vignetta (in cui si citava il profeta Muhammad), collaborava con l'affiliata della testata Daily Star, [...]