St Joseph's School and College, Bonpara in Natore district of Bangladesh arranged an ‘Iftar’ party on the occasion of Holy Ramadan on April 27.
Iftar is one of the religious observances of Ramadan for the Muslim brothers and sisters and is often done as a community, with Muslim people gathering to break their fast together.
Father Shankar Dominic Gomes, the principal of St. Joseph's School and College, in-charge of Secondary Branch Father Pius Gomes, Mayor of Bonpara Municipality K. M. Zakir Hossain, Ataur Rahman, vice-chairman of Upazila Parishad, and Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal, former chairman of Jowari Union Parishad No. 1 attended the program.
Besides, Dhirendra Nath Saha, president of the Baraigram branch of the Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian Unity Council, and Ataur Rahman Mridha, commissioner of the 2nd ward governing body members including Sheikh Fazilatunechcha Mahila Arnas College Professor, Gopal Maitra were present.
All the teachers and staff from the school and college including this Iftar party were present along with the village Christian leaders of the parish. A total of 100 people were present on the occasion.
Father Dominic Gomes started with prayers on the occasion of Ramadan and Iftar Mahfil (blessing) 2022.
In the light of Pope Francis's “Fratelli Tutti” (all brothers and sisters 2020) document, Father Gomes said to everyone, saying, "We are all brothers and sisters.” That is why it is said, "Religion belongs to everyone, but a festival is for everyone.”
"Through this, it will help us to grow in brotherhood, reunion, dialogue, cooperation and bring good in future life. So, we look forward to working with you on how we can better manage this endeavor,” said Father Dominic Gomes.
"This school is known as Catholic, but this institution is open to all. All are given importance—be it a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, or Hindu,” the priest said.
"Everyone has the opportunity to study in this institution. So, my dear teachers, let us extend our hand to help our students to become 'human' by imparting 'humanitarian education,’” said the principal of St Joseph's School and College.
In his address, Bonpara Municipality Mayor K. M. Zakir Hossain said, “Bangladesh has come a long way. The reason for moving forward is that with the help and cooperation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She is leading the people on the path of welfare.”
"Let us work together and build a country,” he said.
One of the participants Bellal Hossain said, "We thank our Christian brothers for organizing this Iftar Mahafil program for our Muslim brothers. After joining this program, I feel we all are brothers in this world. We need this kind of good relationship to build up our society so that we can live in peace and harmony.”
"This iftar party made us promote unity between Muslims and with other religions. We respect each other’s religions. I feel happy to join this blissful program,” said Moktar Ali, another participant said.
In Bangladesh, out of 169 million people, 85% of whom are Muslim; Hindus make up about 10% of the population, while Christians are about 1%, including 400,000 Catholics. - Nikhil Gomes
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