Why Jonathan Power wants to send his daughter to the Muslim world to spend the summer?

Ref: http://www.thebangladeshtoday.com/viewpoints.htm#view-01

It is refreshing to read Jonathan Power's positive piece about the Muslim world. It was good to be reminded that in spite of all the problems facing the Muslim world today, at least in one area, murder, we have an enviable position with the lowest rate. Power's observation and concerns for his daughter are right. In many major American cities it is unsafe to walk alone in the down-town areas after sunset. In my city of Philadelphia, e.g., on the average at least one person is killed every day, mostly by gunshots. Some cities have worse rate. Mugging is also common during broad daylight in cities like Los Angeles. In cities like NY and Miami, once you have parked your car, you may not find it upon return, unless secured through Club or some other electronic or metallic security device. Girls face the threat of getting raped while strolling or jogging alone in a park. Obviously, this does not mean that people feel too insecure all the time everywhere. There are cops everywhere, in subway stations, inside train, in many street corners, and they are also in the roads and highways patrolling. They are also very professional, very honest (almost incorruptible), and always willing to listen and help. Often times, they are the best friends of a person needing help.

While I am glad to read low murder rates in Muslim countries, still, to me, one murder is too many; it is like killing a whole family, a whole nation. Not unsurprisingly, the Qur'an states20it that way. It has also laid down severe warnings against perpetrators. And yet, crime plagues our society today. Our cities are not as safe as these used to be when I grew up.

Power mentioned about safety in Kolkata. I am also told the same thing by many of my friends and relatives who have visited the place several times. Wife of a brother-in-law from Kolkata tells me that a girl can walk all the way to her home from Hawrah train station un-harassed by anyone even at midnight. I am not sure if our major cities in Bangladesh can boast such a claim. A society that fails to secure lives of our vulnerable people is not a place that anyone can feel like living, and surely not sending their daughters to visit alone. I hope situation in our Muslim world would improve further.

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