Christian Association calls for unity, religious harmony in Bangladesh
The Bangladesh Christian Association (BCA) has emphasised national unity, religious harmony, and human values, stating that preserving a culture of coexistence and mutual respect remains a fundamental responsibility in a pluralistic Bangladesh.
The BCA conveyed the message at a discussion and cultural programme at the B.K. Good Conference Hall of The Christian Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. in Dhaka's Tejgaon on Monday, December 15, organised on the occasion of the Victory Day and the upcoming Christmas season.
Presiding over the programme, Mr Nirmol Rozario, President of the Bangladesh Christian Association and one of the Vice Presidents of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, said that the spirit of the Liberation War and the teachings of Christmas resonate in the same values of humanity, compassion, and mutual respect.
He noted that celebrating these two occasions together was intended to promote peace and harmony in society.
Addressing the programme, retired Bishop Theotonius Gomes, CSC, Former Chairman of the Bangladesh Christian Association, emphasised the importance of national unity and religious tolerance, stating that preserving a culture of coexistence and mutual respect remains a fundamental responsibility in a pluralistic Bangladesh.
Explaining the significance of Christmas, Father Srijon SJ said that Christmas is not merely a religious festival but a universal call for forgiveness, peace, and love - values that must be practised both individually and collectively.
Among the speakers, Mr Manindra Kumar Nath, Acting General Secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, said that occasions such as Victory Day and Christmas reaffirm the strong foundations of Bangladesh’s pluralistic and non-communal social fabric.
Dr Biman Chandra Barua, Faculty Member and Former Chairman of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Dhaka, highlighted the historical context of the Liberation War and religious coexistence, noting that such collective initiatives play a vital role in strengthening social unity and mutual understanding.
Speaking on the role of the media, Mr Khairuzzaman Kamal, Senior Reporter of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) and Treasurer of the Bangladesh Federal Journalists Union, said there is no alternative to responsible journalism in promoting positive narratives of national unity and communal harmony.
Also speaking at the event, Mr Michael John Gomes, President of The Christian Co-operative Credit Union Ltd., Dhaka, iterated the institution’s support for social and cultural initiatives and praised the Bangladesh Christian Association for organising the programme.
During the programme, a Christmas cake was ceremonially cut. Participants also joined in singing patriotic songs in observance of Victory Day, followed by the performance of Christmas kirtan, which brought the evening to a joyful and festive close.
Representatives of various social, religious, and cultural organisations, along with distinguished guests, were present at the programme.