During my recent tour to the greater Sylhet area I had the opportunity to visit the Manipuri community at Madhabpur under Kamalgonj Police Station in the district of Moulvi Bazar.
On the morning of 09 January, we (my wife, two daughters and I) were on our way to Srimangol passing the previous night at the Manager's Banglow of Madhabpur Tea Estate owned by the National Tea Company Limited. (That was also a great experience for all of us to be guests of the Manager of a tea garden and his family. Thanks go to them).
Anyway, we rushed to a Manipuri house hearing sounds of songs and rituals. That brought us to see a function of Annyaprashan (formal food taking ceremony) of a six month old boy at that house attended by nearly one hundred people representing children, men and women.
On approach and introduction, we were well received by the priest and other community people. Even they were kind enough to offer us food dedicated to their respective Gods following the ceremonial part. I was amazed seeing the Manipuri's rich religious and cultural festivity and hospitality to others (strangers indeed).
A group of Japanese tourists with a local guide were also visiting the area at the same time. They were also well received by the community people.
While visiting the village I was amazed seeing frequency of temples and designated places for religious singing and dancing. (I wish to join the next festival).
This show how rich and vibrant the Manipuris are in their religious and cultural lives. Same goes for other ethnic and indigenous communities in Bangladesh. This is the feature of a multi ethnical, cultural and religious Bangladesh.
Unfortunately, this diversity is now under a growing threat and nearing extinction for various reasons. State agencies have apparently been failing to perform their due and expected role in this regard.
However, still we could make a change. And the beginning could be bringing back secularism as a core principle in the Constitution of the country. This would facilitate protection of religious and cultural diversities among others, which are crucial for a vibrant and civilized society and for ensuring human rights for all.
State affairs and religion should not be mixed up.