CBN Desk;
On June 3, HWPL hosted the Dhaka Religious Peace Academy at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro (World Literature Centre) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Co-hosted by Rissho Kosei Kai (RKK) Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Youth Educational Foundation (BYEF), the Jodo Dohhhota Unnoyon Institute, and the Atish Dipankar Memorial Complex, the event brought together approximately 67 participants, including religious leaders, social leaders, youth representatives, and members of civil society.
Bangladesh is a multi-religious society where Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian communities live alongside the Muslim majority. While religious diversity is one of the nation’s greatest social assets, accumulated prejudice and misunderstanding can sometimes lead to conflict and exclusion. Therefore, continuous dialogue and trust-building among religious leaders are essential for fostering social integration. HWPL has consistently worked to prevent conflict and promote a culture of peace through interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding.
The Dhaka Religious Peace Academy is an international peace platform that respects religious and cultural diversity while promoting a sustainable culture of peace through dialogue and cooperation. The event aimed to introduce HWPL’s peace initiatives and share the experience of Mindanao, Philippines, as a successful example of overcoming religious conflict and achieving harmony. Participants also explored ways to apply similar lessons within Bangladeshi society.
The program began with an introduction to the activities of HWPL and the Religious Affairs Department of Global Branch 03, followed by guidance on HWPL membership registration and a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony involving eight organizations. The event then proceeded with roundtable discussions among religious leaders, social leaders, and participants, organized into four separate groups.
Discussion topics included religious teachings that promote human harmony, the role of religion in addressing contemporary social conflicts, potential forms of interfaith cooperation for building a peaceful society, and approaches to coexistence education for future generations. Following the discussions, each group’s chairperson presented key findings and recommendations. The event concluded with a photo session highlighting the main outcomes from each roundtable.
Distinguished participants included Ashoke Barua, Chairman of Rissho Kosei Kai (RKK) Bangladesh; Dr. Muhammad Jalal Uddin, Vice Principal of Central Creative College; Muhammad Qamrul Islam Jewel, Assistant Professor in the Department of Islamic Studies at Jagannath University; Mobarak Hossain, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Youth Educational Foundation (BYEF); and Ven. Saful Barua, a Buddhist monk from the International Buddhist Monastery.
Dr. Muhammad Jalal Uddin remarked that the event, founded on cooperation between Korea and Bangladesh, provided a meaningful opportunity to share the values of religious harmony, mutual respect, friendship, and love. He noted that the voluntary participation and collaboration of individuals from diverse backgrounds—including religious leaders, social leaders, and youth representatives—added significant value to the gathering. He further stated that the event demonstrated that peace is not merely a distant ideal but a practical value that can be realized through collective effort. He expressed hope that the initiative would serve as a starting point for planting the seeds of peace for future generations.
As a result of the event, a joint MOU was signed between HWPL and eight organizations, and a total of 46 new members registered with HWPL.
Building upon the network of religious and social leaders established through the academy, HWPL plans to continue organizing follow-up activities independently and in collaboration with participating organizations. These initiatives will include tree-planting campaigns during the rainy season, interfaith dialogue sessions and roundtable meetings, peace awareness programs for university students and youth, and peace education programs for middle and high school students.
আমরা সংবিধান ও জনমতের প্রতি শ্রদ্ধাশীল। তাই ধর্ম ও রাষ্ট্রবিরোধী এবং উষ্কানীমূলক কোনো বক্তব্য না করার জন্য পাঠকদের অনুরোধ করা হলো। কর্তৃপক্ষ যেকোনো ধরণের আপত্তিকর মন্তব্য মডারেশনের ক্ষমতা রাখেন।
