Md. Shawkat Alam Faisal

The incident in which Asad Noor tore pages from the Quran and discarded them in late August 2024 generated widespread outrage and concern, particularly among Muslims who value the Quran. Asad Noor, an exiled Bangladeshi blogger known for his harsh criticism of religious extremism, took this drastic measure as part of his ongoing protest against what he sees as the government's dishonesty and manipulation of religious feelings.

This precise conduct was allegedly committed in a video put on his social media accounts in reaction to a campaign against books authored by Dr. Zafar Iqbal, a well-known professor in Bangladesh who has been accused by some of stealing others' work and collaborating with the Awami administration. Critics claim that, despite being a university professor, Dr. Iqbal has persistently backed harsh government activities against students, violating his role as an educator and thinker.

However, the manner in which Asad Noor voiced his dissent—by desecrating the Quran—has been widely criticized as an act of extremism, even by those who advocate for free expression. In his video, Noor not only violated the Quran but also used derogatory words about Islamic beliefs and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Many people see such behaviors as a fundamental disrespect to a major world religion, regardless of their beliefs or opinions of religious or political figures.

The incident highlights the delicate mix of religion, politics, and free expression in Bangladesh, where suspected blasphemy can elicit strong reactions. While Noor's criticisms of government and religious leaders have struck a chord with some, his mutilation of the Quran has alienated others, showing the delicate line between protest and provocation in a deeply devout nation.

Article 39 of the Constitution ensures every citizen's right to free speech and expression, as well as freedom of the press. However, this privilege is not unlimited and is subject to "reasonable restrictions" in the interests of national security, friendly relations with other governments, public order, decency, or morality, as well as contempt of court, defamation, or incitement to an offense. Noor's acts, while portrayed as an expression of dissent, are likely to be interpreted as a violation of these reasonable constraints, particularly in terms of public order, decency, and morality.The desecration of a holy text, particularly in a primarily Muslim country like Bangladesh, may be seen as an act that incites religious hatred and violence, and hence is not protected by the banner of free speech.

Religious degradation and blasphemy are not uncommon in Bangladesh, which has a strong religious culture. One of the most noteworthy incidents was that of Ahmed Rajib Haider, a secular blogger who was brutally murdered in 2013 after Islamist groups accused him of blasphemy for his online writings criticizing religious fanaticism. Another notable example is the 2012 attacks against the Hindu minority group in Ramu, which were sparked by rumors that a local Hindu youth had uploaded an obscene image of the Quran on Facebook. The episode resulted in the destruction of multiple Buddhist temples and residences, demonstrating how readily religious passions may be inflamed and lead to mass violence.

In Bangladesh, the punishment for activities involving the desecration of sacred writings such as the Quran is harsh and is governed by a number of statutes under the Bangladesh legal framework. Section 295A of the Bangladesh Penal Code of 1860 particularly prohibits "deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings." This clause states that anyone who, with deliberate and malicious purpose, insults or seeks to insult the faith or religious beliefs of any class of persons may face up to two years in prison, a fine or both.

Furthermore, the Digital Security Act of 2018, which has been widely utilized to prosecute anyone accused of blasphemy or religious defamation online, could be applied in Noor's case. Sections 28 and 31 of this Act make it illegal to print or broadcast any content that is likely to offend religious sentiment or encourage hatred between groups. Violations of these clauses can result in up to ten years in jail, with the possibility of life imprisonment if repeated, as well as significant fines.

If Asad Noor's actions of religious sacrilege continue, Bangladesh may face increasingly severe social and political consequences. The continued stimulation of religious sentiments has the potential to exacerbate societal divides, resulting in increased conflicts between various religious and secular groups. This may lead to an increase in mob violence, vigilantism, and reprisal attacks against individuals believed to be insulting religion.

Furthermore, such activities may prompt stronger crackdowns by the government, which may feel compelled to enforce stricter blasphemy laws and expand surveillance and censorship, further suffocating freedom of speech. Furthermore, the continuation of such measures may damage Bangladesh's social fabric, intensifying religious intolerance and reducing opportunities for peaceful cohabitation and discourse among diverse views.

To effectively combat religious sacrilege and sustain social harmony in Bangladesh, a diversified approach is required. This can be accomplished by adding teachings on mutual respect, the need of free expression, and the limitations of such liberties into the curriculum, ensuring that kids grow up to appreciate the value of pluralism. Religious leaders, educators, and civil society organizations can all play important roles in starting discussions, bridging gaps and addressing complaints before they turn into more major disputes.

While rules against blasphemy and religious defamation exist, they must be administered equitably and justly, so that they do not violate fundamental rights while still preserving religious sentiments. The government should also seek to reduce the misuse of such legislation, ensuring that they are not used for political or personal advantage.

The writer is an, Apprentice Lawyer at the Bangladesh Bar Council.