? Staff Correspondent

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique speaks at a discussion on ‘Interreligious Harmony and Bangladesh’ at TSC auditorium in the city on Wednesday. The Department of World Religions and Culture in association with the Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue of Dhaka University hosted the event. sun photo

The essence all religions is the same, each containing the great message of peace and harmony, speakers said at a discussion on Wednesday.

They said the creator is one and all creations are similar to God.

The Department of World Religions and Culture in association with the Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue of Dhaka University hosted the discussion at TSC auditorium to mark The World Interfaith Harmony Week.

Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique, DU vice-chancellor, was present at the programme as the chief guest.

He said, “It seems that we are living in a primitive era, as brother kills his own brother while wife her husband.”Human’s external outlook is different, but s/he has same biological characteristics, Prof Arefin added.

Dr Abdullah Al Maruf, director (publication) of Islamic Foundation, said “The world has given approval to our claim that we maintain interreligious harmony in the country.”

He added: “We are trying to enhance such harmony in every sphere of our country.”

Ven Buddhananda Mahathero, deputy chief of International Buddhist Monastery, said, “We need to follow the sayings of great personalities to rein in violence spreading across the world.”

Most Rev Bisop Theotonius Gomes, CSC, Dhaka, said the objective of every religion is to keep harmony among people.

Prof Dr Kazi Nurul Islam, director of Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, chaired the programme.

He said, “We should keep in mind that we can establish an interreligious harmony in the world.”

“In 1971, we forgot about our religion and fought for the country’s Liberation,” Prof Islam went on.

Swami Ameyanandaji Maharaj, principal of Ramakrishna Math & Mission, among others, spoke on the occasion.

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