Mr Shahabul Mujib writes (Wed Aug 31) that the leader of the opposition, among her many crimes, is out to tarnish "secular democratic values that we cherish since 1971". How, by speaking out against religious fanaticism and indiscriminate bombing is the leader of the opposition tarnishing the values of 1971? Perhaps his disgust would be better targeted at those who share the stage with those who worked against our independence in 1971.

He goes on to add, "Hindus, Christians, and Muslims are free to express their opinions, and

choose their own religions, and way of lives." I would like to ask Mr Mujib, who lives in the comfort of Los Angeles many thousands of miles away, whether he has been to the villages of the extreme corners of Bangladesh where over one and a half crore Hindus and Christians live, where women are afraid to leave their homes on their own, where property owners live in constant fear of confiscation under the enemy property ACT and where voters are afraid to participate in elections.

We fight alongside our Muslim brothers against the common evils of poverty, unemployment and political violence and share the dream of glory for our beloved Bangladesh, but we don't need the patronising ignorance of the elite abroad.

Mr Mujib, if hearing unpleasant truths about our country embarrasses you, come and stand beside us and spend your energy on correcting those things, but do not attack the victims.

Sanjoy Kumar Nath, Chittagong