Govt committed to protect religious values at any cost: Advisor Khalid

All religious people took place for finding security

Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, Advisor to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, has reiterated the government firm commitment to preserving religious values in Bangladesh. Speaking at the closing session of the International Workshop on Multifaith Dialogue at Dhaka University, he emphasized that religious harmony is crucial for national unity and progress. "The government is dedicated to ensuring the freedom of faith and upholding moral principles. Just as diverse flowers enhance a garden beauty, people of different religions enrich our society. Protecting religious values is our collective responsibility, and we will not tolerate any threats to harmony," he stated. He further stressed that Bangladesh has a rich history of interfaith unity and that divisive narratives will not be allowed to undermine peace. The government remains vigilant in countering misinformation, ensuring equal rights for all religious communities, and fostering mutual respect among citizens. He told these statements in the closing ceremony of International Workshop on Multifaith Dialogue (IWMD 2025), was held at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban auditorium of Dhaka University on Tuesday night. Centre for Interreligious and intercultural Dialogue (CHD), University of Dhaka, Multi-Faith Neighbors Network (MFNN), Washinton DC and Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thought (BIIT) jointly organised the two-day-long workshop which focused on interfaith dialogue, brought together religious leaders, academics, and policymakers from various faiths. The declaration of the MFNN Dhaka Summit underscored the importance of religious harmony for a prosperous, inclusive, and democratic Bangladesh. Representatives from Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam affirmed their shared humanity, recognizing that all religious followers belong to the same human race, created by a higher power. They acknowledged that unity among diverse faiths is a universal strength, and it is humanity responsibility to care for the well-being of all living beings. Despite historical attempts to create division during the colonial era, Bangladesh has inherited a rich tradition of cultural and religious harmony. However, like in other parts of the world, authoritarian rulers in Bangladesh have, at times, used religion as a tool for political control. The August 5, 2024, uprising was rooted in a spirit of opposition to all forms of discrimination and has fostered greater empathy, respect, and mutual trust among religious communities. It has also countered misleading narratives that promote division and misunderstanding. The conference urged participants to commit to cooperative policies and actions, foster interfaith relationships, and support one another in times of need. It called for collaborative initiatives both locally and globally and encouraged individuals to stand by their neighbors, regardless of faith. Attendees pledged not to engage in activities that promote religious hatred and to remain vigilant against misinformation that harms social harmony. The event also emphasized the need to establish a network dedicated to multifaith solidarity. Speakers at the closing session highlighted that Bangladesh has never institutionalized religious discrimination. They clarified that incidents of violence are not based on religious differences but are often politically motivated. They warned against misrepresenting political conflicts as religious violence, stressing that such narratives distort reality. Among the distinguished guests at the session were Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed, and BIIT Director General, Prof. Dr. M. Abdul Aziz. Other notable attendees included Dr. Bob Roberts Jr., Co-Founder of the Multi-Faith Neighbors Network; Imam Mohammad Majid, Chairman of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA); Nadine Maenza, President of the IRF Secretariat; James Chen, Senior Vice President of the Institute of Global Engagement; Prof. Dr. Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah, Vice Chancellor of Islamic University; Syed Muqtadir, Senior Adviser on Global Muslim Affairs; and several academics and legal experts. More than a hundred religious leaders from Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim communities, along with journalists, were also present. The workshop, held on February 11-12, was jointly organized by the Washington-based Multi-Faith Neighbors Network (MFNN), Dhaka University Center for Inter-Religious and Inter-Cultural Dialogue (CIID), the Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thought (BIIT), and the American Institute of Integrated Thought (AIIT). The event was inaugurated by Dhaka University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan.