Many faiths, one race

People irrespective of beliefs and faiths should work together to establish peace and harmony as all the religions advise to work for the welfare of mankind, said speakers at a discussion yesterday.

Vested quarters are trying to destabilise the society by misinterpreting religions. But such attempt must be resisted through coordinated efforts, they said.

Inter Religion Harmony Society (IRHS) organised the discussion “Religions are many but mankind is one” in the Lecture Theatre at Dhaka University, marking World Interfaith Harmony Week, an annual event, which is observed during the first week of February.Speaking as the chief guest, DU Vice Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique said there may be difference among people in terms of religion, race, caste, culture and language. But the most important thing is all are human beings, he added.

 IRHS secretary general Monoranjan Ghosal said, “We want peace, not conflict. We want to see Bangladesh free from communalism, fundamentalism and corruption.”

Swami Debdhyananda Moharaj of Ramakrishna Mission; Sanghanayak Shuddhananda Mahathero, president of Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha, Rev. Shourabh Pholia, general secretary of Bangladesh Bible Society, and educationist Abul Quasem Fazlul Haque also addressed the programme chaired by IRHS Chairman Mian Muzibur Rahman. Meanwhile, Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu yesterday said people have to show respect to all beliefs and opinions to maintain peace. There is no room for communalism and militancy in Islam, he told the 93rd national convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. The three-day convention started on Friday at the community's headquarters in Dhaka's Bakshibazar.