Staff Reporter :
A divisional conference was held on Saturday in Chattogram aiming at promoting interfaith harmony and establishing peace, gathering religious leaders from various faiths, government officials, political leaders, political student wings, non-partisan students, media representatives, teachers, and civil society members.
The conference was organized by RUPSA, a Khulna based development agency, with the financial assistance from USAID and the International Republican Institute (IRI) under the NAGORIK project, emphasized on the collective responsibility of all sectors of society to promote religious harmony and inclusivity.
The event’s core feature was the promoting interfaith harmony collectively and dissemination of peace pledge, where religious leaders from various faiths stood together in solidarity, reaffirming their commitment to peace, tolerance, and interfaith understanding.
The pledge emphasized that people of all faiths can unite for the common good, and by signing the document, the attendees demonstrated their collective dedication to upholding these principles. The signing ceremony was a symbol of shared values and set a powerful example for the entire community.
Speaking at the conference, Md. Jahidul Islam, Coordinator, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Chattogram said we must remain vigilant to ensure that no political party exploits us for their own political agendas or personal gain.
It is essential to recognize and safeguard our collective interests and values, rather than allowing ourselves to be used as tools for partisan objectives, he added.
Professor Sawdesh Chakrabarty, President, Bangladesh Brahman Sangshad, Chattogram expressed that No religion promotes conflict or unrest; all faiths advocate for peace and understanding. Discord often stems from political agendas and corrupt individuals exploiting religious sentiments for personal gain.
He emphasized on true religious teachings and their misuse for division.
While addressing Shaikh Mostafizur Rhaman, Director-Program, RUPSA expressed “Finding unity in diversity is the essence of interfaith harmony.”
Bangladesh is a shining example of unity in diversity, with a rich history of coexistence among people of different faiths, cultures, and traditions remarked Hiranmoy Mondol, the Executive Director, RUPSA.
Our Constitution reflects this spirit by upholding equal rights for all citizens while interfaith harmony is vital for peace and progress, as mutual respect and understanding are essential in a country where diverse religions live side by side, he added.
Borhan Uddin Md. Abu Ahsan, Director, Islamic Foundation,Chattogram, Pandit Akash Chakrabarty, Priest & Organizing Secretary of the Brahman Sangshad, Chattogram, Asaduzzaman Jahid, representative, Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chatradal, ,and Saidur Rahaman, representative, Bangladesh Chatra Shibir, were also spoke at the conference.
