Dr. Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh, stated that Hindutva and Hinduism are distinct concepts and that Hindutva’s foundation lies in hostility toward Muslims. Speaking as chief guest at a book unveiling ceremony at Dhaka University’s R. C. Majumdar Auditorium on Saturday, he said India, as Bangladesh’s largest neighbor and a major regional power, should be engaged intellectually rather than militarily or economically. The event marked the release of two books published by Bedouin Publications: A. M. Abdullah’s “Bangladeshe July Biplob” and the Bengali translation of Syed Sadatullah Husaini’s “Hindutvabadi Extremism: Ideological Conflict and Muslims.”

Rahman emphasized that Hindutva is a political ideology, not merely a religious identity, and must be countered through intellectual and political discourse. He argued that the Muslim world has fallen behind due to a lack of research and intellectual leadership, urging renewed focus on knowledge and critical study. He also stressed preserving historical accuracy, promoting reading habits, and encouraging research-based publications to strengthen intellectual leadership among the younger generation.

He concluded by urging students to debate, question, and research before forming opinions, asserting that intellectual strength is essential to confront ideological challenges.