Religious Leaders Vow to Stand United as Bangladeshis

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Publish : 05 Dec 2024, 09:34 PM

Photo: Collected

Religious leaders have proposed organizing a peace and harmony assembly in Dhaka, involving people from all religions and communities, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.

The proposal was presented on Thursday (December 5) during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

After the meeting, the religious leaders shared this information with journalists at the academy's gate.

Statements from Religious Leaders
Bhikkhu Sunanda Priyo, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation, said, "The Chief Adviser attentively listened to everyone. It is our tradition to live together harmoniously, and we want this communal harmony to continue. We hope the Chief Adviser will take necessary steps to ensure this."

Avinash Mitra, Assistant Secretary of Ramna Harichand Temple, stated, "Among those of us living in Bangladesh, there is no division. But where does the division come from? Those who are creating divisions infiltrate our communities and spread propaganda from abroad. We do not want them to succeed in their self-serving agendas. This is Bangladesh, where we all live together in harmony. There are no internal issues among us. We urge action to be taken to identify and address those responsible for the murder of our lawyer brother—whether they were Hindu, Muslim, or just malicious individuals."

Albert Rosario, the Chief Priest of Ramna St. Mary’s Cathedral, expressed solidarity with recent statements by political parties. "We are going through a sensitive time and must remain united," he said. Rosario added, "The wounds caused by the ISKCON incident must be healed. Those affected by this incident, many of whom could not attend today, should be brought into discussions with the Chief Adviser. I have conveyed this message."

He also requested consideration of bail for the ISKCON member currently in custody, should legal provisions allow it.

Unity and Support
Johnson Muri Kamal, a Garo priest, affirmed their unity: "We will resist media outlets spreading false propaganda. We are united and will continue to support the government."

Sheikh Ahmadullah, Chairman of the As-Sunnah Foundation, said, "Responding to the Chief Adviser’s invitation, leaders from various religions have come together. They have shared the conditions of non-Muslims in the country, particularly how they are doing alongside the Muslim community."

He observed that religious harmony in the country is excellent and emphasized the importance of maintaining it. "We have spoken openly about how to preserve this harmony. The Chief Adviser listened attentively to our concerns."

The prominent Islamic scholar added, "When we see minorities being persecuted, it is our duty to focus on those areas. Our minority brothers and sisters are safe and will remain safe. Both the government and religious leaders are working to ensure their safety. This was the message we aimed to convey to the Chief Adviser. We are united and will remain so."

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