A high-level delegation from the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, led by its Prefect Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, is visiting Bangladesh from September 6 to 11, 2025.
The week-long visit will focus on strengthening interfaith relations and promoting a culture of harmony across religious communities.
At the beginning of the visit, Cardinal Koovakad and his team will pay courtesy calls on the Honorable Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus and the Honorable Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed. The Apostolic Nuncio to Bangladesh, along with leading Christian religious leaders, will also join in several of the official programs.
Throughout the visit, Cardinal Koovakad will take part in multiple meetings, dialogues, and prayer gatherings:
- September 6: Courtesy meeting with Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, followed by an interaction with journalists.
- September 7: Dialogue with Catholic seminarians at the Holy Spirit Seminary, Banani, and an evening prayer service at Tejgaon Catholic Church.
- September 8: Interreligious dialogue with students and professors at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh, followed by a meeting with the Catholic community at the CBCB Center, Asad Avenue, Mohammadpur.
- September 9: Keynote address on “Let Us Build a Culture of Harmony” at an interfaith gathering at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, with Religious Affairs Adviser A.F.M. Khalid Hossain and other dignitaries present.
- September 10: Visit to the Islamic Foundation and Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. On the same day, Monsignor Indunil Janakaratne, Secretary of the Dicastery, will deliver a special message to Bangladesh’s Muslim community. Cardinal Koovakad will also hold a press conference at the Archbishop’s House in Ramna.
- September 11: Visit to a Buddhist temple and a Hindu temple in Dhaka, with opportunities for dialogue with community leaders.
Cardinal Koovakad is respected among Christians worldwide and is recognized for his leadership in fostering dialogue, unity, and harmonious relations between the Vatican and faith communities across the globe.
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