United News of Bangladesh

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.”

Deputy Chief of Staff of US Army, Lieutenant General Patrick Matlock, has highly praised the Bangladesh Armed Forces for their contribution to safeguarding national independence and establishing world peace. Speaking as the chief guest at a reception hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, he said the Bangladesh Armed Forces have been at the forefront of security and national independence, providing relief to fellow citizens in times of natural disasters, sheltering the destitute and bringing peace and stability around the globe. Noting that Bangladesh is the world’s largest troop contributor to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation, Lieutenant General Matlock said the world is grateful for the sacrifice in the contribution of the Bangladeshi troops. He pointed out the partnership between the armed forces of Bangladesh and the US, and welcomed the continued expansion of this partnership for peace and prosperity in the years to come. The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC hosted the reception at the Bangabandhu Auditorium of the embassy on Tuesday to celebrate the 52nd Armed Forces Day, the embassy said on Thursday. Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Imran and Defence Attaché of the Embassy Brigadier General Md Shahedul Islam spoke at the event. Lieutenant General Gerry Glavy, Deputy Commandant of US Marine Corps; Afreen Akhter, US Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs; Lieutenant Colonel Seamas Whitsel, Director for South Asia Regional Affairs of US National Security Council, joined the reception, among others. BNP-Jamaat want to grab power by burning people: PM Hasina tells Armed Forces Day reception Alternate Executive Director of the World Bank Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus was also present at the function. Ambassador Imran paid deepest homage to the architect of Bangladesh, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who led the nation to achieve its long-cherished independence. He also recalled with profound respect three million martyrs, including the members of the armed forces, for their great sacrifice in the War of Liberation. He mentioned the multifaceted collaboration between the armed forces of Bangladesh and the United States, saying that the two countries share convergent views on a range of defense and security issues. The ambassador said as a development partner and friend, the US has extended support to Bangladesh in the past in its development journey, and Bangladesh looks forward to working together closely with further engagements to take the relations to new heights. Defence Attaché of Bangladesh Embassy Brigadier General Md Shahedul Islam welcomed the guests at the reception and thanked the US for the support and cooperation extended that is mutually beneficial for the two countries. Minister (Political) Md. Rashedujjaman conducted the program. The function began with the national anthems of Bangladesh and the United States. Then a short documentary on the activities of the Bangladesh Armed Forces was screened. Ambassadors, diplomats and defense attaches from a number of countries, senior officials from the Pentagon, Department of State, and other US organizations, members of Bangladeshi diaspora and embassy officials and employees attended the function. The program ended with the cutting of a cake by the chief guest in presence of other dignitaries. Armed Forces Day: Chiefs of three services call on President Shahabuddin

Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Sunday observed the 47th anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Joliot Curie Peace Prize given in recognition of his contributions to world peace.  The Father of the Nation was awarded the medal on May 23 in 1973. It was the first international award to the newly-independent Bangladesh. The officers and employees of the mission, led by High Commissioner Muhammad Imran paid homage to Bangabandhu in the mission premises, said a media release.

Nepal has kicked off the third edition of World Peace Pooja (worshipping) to pray for world peace and welfare of the entire humanity, and to commemorate the deaths of mountaineers and trekkers.