Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Sept 8, 2025 (BSS)- Interfaith leaders and academics at an international seminar in Dhaka today underscored the importance of mutual respect and dialogue among religions to build a pluralistic society free from violence and division.

They observed that no society marked by persistent religious, ethnic or political strife can flourish as such divide obstruct social and economic progress and undermine human creativity. 

The seminar, titled “Inter-religious Dialogue and Harmony,” was organized by the Episcopal Commission on Christian Unity and Inter-religious Dialogue at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in the capital, said a press release here.   

It coincided with the visit of a Vatican delegation led by Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, prefect of the Dicastery of Inter-religious Dialogue. 

“Interreligious dialogue is not about changing someone’s religion. It is about listening, understanding, respecting, and building trust,” Cardinal Koovakad said. 

He highlighted the Catholic Church’s efforts to foster collaboration between Christians and people of other faiths, urging communities to work together for social justice and peace.

He referred to the 2019 Abu Dhabi declaration on Human Fraternity, signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb, which calls for ending violence, protecting the planet, and promoting coexistence. 

The Cardinal warned against the danger of extremism, corruption and fanaticism, urging young people to speak out against violence.

Prof Dr Muhammad Elius of Dhaka University’s Department of World Religion and Culture said diversity was a universal reality. 

Quoting the Quran, he noted that people were created in different sects, and they must accept such diversity with love, cooperation, and mutual respect.
 
He described the Madina Chartered as one of history’s earliest examples of embracing religious and ethnic pluralism.

Vatican Ambassador to Bangladesh Archbishop Kevin Randall commended Bangladesh’s long tradition of communal harmony, cautioning against sectarian and divisive ideologies.

Archbishop Bejoy D’Cruze of Dhaka stressed the need to nurture spirituality alongside rituals. “A spiritual person cannot be communal,” he said.

The seminar concluded with a joint call to strengthen dialogue, empathy and unity across faiths to build a peaceful and inclusive society.

Foreign diplomats, academics, students, and faith leaders attended the event.