The Vatican has wished to see a free, fair, just, and transparent election process in Bangladesh, but it does not wish for a certain outcome.
“As Bangladesh prepares for elections, the Holy See stands alongside of you to wish a process that is free, fair, just, and transparent,” said Vatican Ambassador to Bangladesh Archbishop Kevin S Randell.
He was addressing a ceremony marking the Pope Day at the Vatican Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday evening.
The day also coincides the visit of Cardinal George Jacob Koovkad, prefect of the Dicastery of Inter-religious Dialogue, who began his visit on September 6.
The delegation led by the Cardinal held series of dialogues including visits to the National Mosque and interacting with the Islamic scholars; a Hindu temple and a Pagoda in Dhaka.
Addressing the Pope Day event, Archbishop Randell said that the Holy See does not support any political party, form of government, or person, nor does it wish for a certain outcome.
“The half a million Christians, Catholics and Protestants, who are citizens of Bangladesh, will vote their consciences, like all other citizens,” he said.
Addressing as chief guest, Education Adviser Prof CR Abrar said the relationship between Bangladesh and the Holy See is grounded in shared values of peace, compassion and mutual respect.
“This enduring bond reflects our common commitment to promoting religious harmony, interfaith discourse and human dignity,” he said.
This serves as a powerful testament to the rock-solid relationship between Bangladesh and the Holy See, the Adviser said.
“Let us reaffirm our collective commitment to building bridges of peace, upholding justice and ensuring that no one is left behind regardless of faith, ethnicity or background," he said.
“May we continue to work hand in hand to ensure that our common humanity rises above all religious, cultural and social divides, " he added.
On inter-religious dialogue, Archbishop Kevin Randell said such dialogue brings hope and aids all in striving for peace and solidarity on earth, for healing and justice – in a world filled with extremism, hatred and war.
“We must have the courage to build bridges, to be the Good Samaritan, to reach out to others in need.
“We do not need societies filled with fear and hate. No religious ought to promote those values, nor should religion be used to justify violence.”
The Vatican ambassador has called for not letting religious speakers or public speakers highjack religions to promote those scandalous values.
“No. Reject and dismiss the message of those who attempt that type of public discourse. Religions ought to promote compassion, love and pursuit of the common good in civil societies. By this fruit, you will know them.”
Rohingya merit a home and dignity
Randell recalled the visit of late Pope Francis, who visited Myanmar and Bangladesh in 2017 after the Rohingya influx and prayed for peace in both countries and in a particular way expressed concerns for the Rohingya, for whose plight the Pope had a broken heart.
“These displaced persons merit a home and dignity,” he said, lauding the interim government for dealing well the situation as a host to the forgotten victims of a civil war.
“But, they need our help.”
Ambassador Randell said Pope Leo XIV equally expressed his grave concern and prays that the international community will reach out.