Bangladesh's religious leaders work on preventing violent extremism

On October 19, a group of religious leaders of different religions held a workshop on preventing violent extremism in Rajshahi City, in the northern part of Bangladesh, 

The seminar was organized by the Human Welfare Council in Bangla (Manob Kollan Parishad or MKP) under the Peace Project, a non-governmental organization with the cooperation of the Asian Foundation.

There were as many as 25 selected participants, including leaders from different religions and social workers.

Preventing violent extremism is a commitment and obligation under the principles and values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other international human rights instruments.

The program aimed to prevent violent extremism and the role of leaders from different religions.

The main speaker, Joynal Hossein, said, "Violent extremism is not only a religious problem, but a social and political problem as well." 

It is time to curb violent extremism in society, he said. 

One Muslim leader, Imam Hazrat Ali said, "Islam never allows violent extremism, but some Muslims who don't know much about the religion are committing violence. They keep the bad impact on religion."

Govinda Hindu Purohit (priest) said, "We are the best creation of God, so we should praise God, but we should not destroy the creation of God through violence and extremism."

On behalf of Christianity, Father Suresh Purification said, "Christians practice the virtue of humility instead of violence. Pope Francis works for peace, love, and charity for all people, and we all need to heed his call." 

"As a minority of Christians in Bangladesh, we always respect other religions, keep good relationships, and build a peaceful community with people living around us," said the priest. 

Finally, the organizer, Annual Hossen, thanked all the participants for their active discussion, participation, and planning for the peace of the country. - Nikhil Gomes