Religious leaders, rights advocates, and citizens from different faith communities on Thursday protested ongoing wars, conflicts, and attacks, vandalism, and persecution targeting religious minorities and places of worship across different parts of the world.
They joined an interfaith human chain and called for peace, coexistence, and mutual respect among communities. The programme was organised by the “Sarbadhramiyo Oikya Forum” in front of the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka.
The speakers urged the international community, the United Nations, and global human rights organisations to take effective initiatives to stop war, communal violence, and persecution in different parts of the world.
They also emphasised the need for collective global efforts to uphold peace, religious freedom, and interfaith harmony.
The speakers expressed deep concern over the growing trend of religious intolerance, violence, and human rights abuses worldwide.
Nirmal Rozario, President of the Bangladesh Christian Association (BCA) and one of the presidents of the Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council; H M Barkatullah, Chairman of the Sarbadhramiyo Oikya Forum; Senior Vice Chairmen Father Albert Rozario and Buddhānanda Mahathero; and Secretary General Rev. Jason Adhikari, alongside other leaders of the organization spoke.
“Across the world, war and politics of hatred are threatening human dignity and security. Attacks on religious minorities and destruction of places of worship can never represent a civilized society. We call for an immediate end to all forms of violence and religious persecution,” Nirmal Rozario said.
Chairman H M Barkatullah said humanity is passing through a profound crisis. “The use of religion to justify division, occupation, and bloodshed is unacceptable. The international community and global institutions must play a stronger and more effective role in establishing peace.”
Father Albert Rozario said, “Every religion teaches peace, compassion, and love for humanity. Yet we are witnessing people being persecuted solely because of their religious identity. This is not merely the crisis of one community - it is a crisis for all humanity.”
Buddhānanda Mahathero said hatred and revenge can never bring peace. “Only tolerance, mutual respect, and the practice of humane values can lead the world away from violence and conflict.”
Rev. Jason Adhikari said, “We envision a world where no one has to live in fear because of their faith or identity. Ensuring the safety and dignity of religious minorities and places of worship has now become a global human rights imperative.”