Questioning minorities' patriotism?
Dev, Boston University, US
I am not an avid fan of cricket but I am happy to see Bangladesh winning against India. It's not that Bangladeshi players are less talented than other sub-continental countries, but our players do lack the total dedication that is required for cricket or any other game. Needless to say that half-hearted dedication is not enough for international competition. We, Bengalees, love shortcuts in every sphere of our lives, but would not hesitate to gloat about our big achievements.Mr. Saif (Dhaka) puts minorities on the spot by questioning their patriotism. Why some minorities would support a foreign team rather than their own team is paradoxical but I do not find it so surprising. If Saif takes the pulse of minorities, he might find that these minorities are being treated as second-class citizens even after thirty-three years of independence from Pakistan. Some cosmetic changes have been made but very little has been changed in regard to minority rights. Minorities were even targeted for voting for wrong parties! Minorities are being marginalised in every sphere of life. How can these people live in such a society, let alone contribute to their country? In such a situation, if they are not 100% loyal to their country of birth, who can blame them? I would suggest the majority to provide minorities with equal opportunities, rather than giving them lecture about patriotism.
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