‘Free exchange of ideas vital for peaceful coexistence’

Responsible intellectual discourse is essential for ensuring peaceful coexistence in a world marked by diverse opinions, ideologies and cultures, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said.

“No single ideology or philosophy can offer a lasting solution to the complex crises confronting human civilisation,” he said while speaking at the launch of the Al-Ummah Journal and Website at a hotel in Tejgaon on Saturday.

The information minister said “Peaceful coexistence depends on the free exchange of diverse ideas rooted in mutual understanding.

He said, “Responsible intellectual engagement is indispensable in achieving that goal.”

Highlighting the rapid spread of misinformation and growing polarisation on digital platforms, he stresses the importance of credible intellectual initiatives founded on knowledge, ethics and responsibility.

He expresses hope that the Al-Ummah Journal and Website will develop into a trusted platform for research, informed discussion and scholarly contributions.

The minister also says linguistic, ethnic, religious, cultural and geographical diversity are enduring realities that deserve respect.

“No particular identity or group can solely rule or dominate the world. Scholars and researchers of all ideologies must work together to find common solutions that serve humanity,” he said, adding that no single historical figure or society has been able to provide lasting answers to global challenges.

Referring to Bangladesh’s political landscape, Swapon says the government remains committed to diversity, peaceful coexistence and democratic values. He adds that it supports the free expression and healthy exchange of ideas, describing the objectives of the Al-Ummah Journal as consistent with those principles.

He also welcomes the initiative to publish the journal in Bangla, English, Arabic and Turkish, saying the multilingual approach will strengthen mutual understanding among different cultures and help reduce misunderstandings nationally and internationally.

The event is chaired by former Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain, while renowned Turkish academic and author Professor Yasin Aktay attends as the special guest. Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Chairman of the Al-Ummah Foundation and Editor-in-Chief of the journal, delivers the welcome address.

Addressing the programme, Professor Aktay says the Muslim world possesses a rich intellectual heritage that should be linked with contemporary global realities. He says the Al-Ummah platform can play an important role in connecting scholars and thinkers from different countries.

Dr Khalid Hossain said that the initiative will help strengthen strategic cooperation among member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and contribute to addressing contemporary challenges facing the Muslim Ummah through knowledge-based solutions.

The inauguration ceremony also features a panel discussion involving researchers, academics and experts from Bangladesh and abroad, focusing on intellectual leadership, media, education, technology and global cooperation in the Muslim world.