A public open letter to President of Syria Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Shahinul Khalisdar
Tax Advisor | Business Advisor/ Taxation Expertise/ Enrolled Agent (EA)/Master of Science in Taxation (MST)/ Author
Dear Honorable President of Syria Ahmed al-Sharaa,
I am writing this public open letter with the firm belief that it will reach you and that many will read it. I feel compelled to express my concerns regarding the current political situation in your country, which is rapidly evolving and has the potential to spiral out of control.
I am the son of the former Chairman of the Standing Committee of the East Pakistan Peace Committee in 1971, and I understand firsthand the challenges of restoring peace in a war-torn country. One key lesson I've learned from my father is the importance of perseverance in discussion and negotiation. Engaging in dialogue, whether with allies or adversaries, is crucial, and it should always be approached with a positive attitude and under stringent security protocols to prevent potential threats. We must never shy away from conversation—it is the path to understanding and resolving conflicts.
Since the late 1990s, I have engaged in discussions with numerous high-profile political leaders from various Muslim countries who visited New York City, including India, to address issues through dialogue. The use of force does not resolve problems and often leads to unintended consequences. Negative energy can ignite a powerful response, often leading to feelings of anger or a desire for revenge.
My father served as the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the East Pakistan Peace Committee in 1971. East Pakistan was home to a diverse array of religious communities, including Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and various smaller groups. His philosophy was unequivocal: “No East Pakistani should be killed based on their religious affiliation or ethnicity without a proven guilty verdict based on concrete evidence, not mere accusations.” He firmly believed that the sanctity of human life is paramount, as emphasized in the Quran: “If anyone kills a person not in retaliation of murder, or to spread mischief in the land, it would be as if he killed all mankind; and if anyone saves a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.” (5:32) Taking the life of another is strictly forbidden because God has made human life sacred.
Post-colonial Muslims are divided into thousands of groups and religious sects. Uniting them is humanly impossible. That is why I remain independent and not affiliated with any groups, as not one Muslim country adheres to the true Islamic standard. All are politically and socially corrupt. However, you have the potential to become a new beacon of hope for Middle Eastern peace and stability.
Restoring peace and stability is akin to the monumental task of shifting the mighty Himalayas.
Sincerely,
The son of the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the East Pakistan Peace Committee in 1971.