Dhaka Archdiocese Holds Interfaith Gathering, Echoing FABC Call to Build Bridges

The Archdiocese of Dhaka held an interfaith gathering on August 8, calling for stronger cooperation among religious communities and echoing the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) call to build bridges of peace, harmony, and fraternity across Asia.

The program, organized by the Archdiocesan Commission for Interreligious Dialogue, was held at Holy Cross Parish in Luxmibazar and brought together about 100 representatives from Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist communities.

The gathering came shortly after the 12th FABC Plenary Assembly, held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from July 20–26, where bishops and pastoral leaders from across Asia reflected on the theme, “Synodal Conversion and the Mission to Be Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia.”

The Dhaka gathering opened with readings from the Quran, Bhagavad Gita, Tripitaka, and Bible, highlighting the religious diversity of Bangladesh and setting the tone for dialogue.

The central theme was “Let us build bridges of peace, harmony and fraternity among religions and among people.”

Archbishop Bejoy N. D'Cruze said religious communities share a responsibility to work for the common good.

“We are all called to build bridges,” the prelate said, emphasizing the need to promote peace and cooperation rather than division.

Speaking from an Islamic perspective, Maulana Mohammad Zakir Hossain said Islam calls believers to work for peace and respect among communities. He referred to the Constitution of Medina as an example of different religious communities living together while maintaining their freedom to practice their faith.

“We must not engage in hatred and hostility,” he said, calling for mutual respect and cooperation.

Swami Devadhiananda, representing the Hindu tradition, said lasting harmony begins within individuals and families.

“We search for harmony outside ourselves, but harmony exists within us, in our own hearts and in our own homes,” he said.

From the Buddhist perspective, Satyapriya Thera emphasized the need for personal transformation as a foundation for social peace.

“To establish peace and harmony, we must first bring peace within ourselves,” he said, adding that people should avoid becoming a source of suffering for others.

Fr. Uzzal Linus Rozario, parish priest of Holy Cross Parish, said interreligious dialogue requires mutual respect, understanding, and practical cooperation.

“Dialogue is the way, cooperation is the principle of conduct, and mutual understanding is the method and standard,” he said.

Fr. Kakon Luke Corraya concluded the gathering by thanking the participants and organizers.

The event reflected the Dhaka Archdiocese's continuing commitment to interreligious dialogue and cooperation, while giving local expression to the FABC's wider vision of a Church in Asia that serves as a bridge-builder amid religious and cultural diversity.