Dhaka, May 12 -- Writer and political philosopher Farhad Mazhar believes that following the decision to ban the Awami League and the issuance of the July Proclamation, Bangladesh is now entering a critical phase-a struggle against religious nationalism.

Speaking on the matter, Mazhar said: "Fascists have two defining characteristics-both sides of the same coin. One is their secular nationalism, the other is religious nationalism. These are two faces of the same nationalist ideology."

He added, "The people of Bangladesh now face two adversaries. We have already begun the fight against religious nationalism, and public awareness of its dangers is growing. United, we must resist and overcome this threat."

In response to demands from leade...