Scholars from the Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Christian faiths on Tuesday said that no religion in the world supports extremism.
They called on people from all walks of life to resist terrorism.
They came up with the statements while addressing a dialogue on 'inter-religious harmony to prevent extremism and violence' organised by Debate for Democracy at CIRDAP auditorium in the capital.
The religious scholars said that all religions teach peace and that no religion supports violence or extremism. Those who have no accurate knowledge about their own religion, are prone to extremism.
In his speech, as the chief guest Additional IGP and Chief of anti-terrorism unit Mohammad Abul Kashem said, “Terrorism and extremism are matters of discussion after two major terrorist attacks in New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Terrorists have no religion because all religions teach peace and discipline.”
He said, “Now, terrorism and extremism have become a factor of geo-politics with some vested quarters using it as their main political weapon.”
He urged the people of all religions to work together to resist religious extremism.
Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron presented the keynote paper in which he put forward a 10-point recommendation to prevent violence and extremism.
In his proposal, he said, “Religious extremism can be prevented by discussing accurate clarification of religion. The government should prepare a policy with other political groups in this regard.”
As a Muslim-majority country, anti-extremism speech may delivered at Jummah Khutbah at Mosques, and anti-extremism dialogue may be discussed at various religious festivals in Temple, Church and Pagoda as well.
More poem, composition can be added in secondary level school books to prevent violent extremism.
Security department should monitor social media including Facebook, YouTube, what’s app, imo, viber.
Overall, participation of all stakeholders of the society can play vital role to prevent these deadly activities.
Editor-in- Chief of Bangladesh Post, Sharif Shahab Uddin said, “This dialogue is a very much important and timely initiative. But, our discussion will not be fruitful if we do not apply it in our practical life.”
He said, “An extremist group spread falsehood of seeing Saydee in the moon. But, no Islamic scholar protested the matter at the time.”
Islamic scholars should protest every evidence of extremism, he added.
The scholars present at the programme said that no religion supports violence. Islam means peace acquired by submitting your will to God. Love and peace are central in Christian scheme of things. Compassion holds an important position in Buddhism and ‘the whole world is a family’ is one among the well–known cardinal principles of Hinduism.
Chairman of Quraner Alo Foundation Abu Yusuf, Assistant Professor of Islamic University of Technology Mokhtar Ahmed, Principal of Sri Sri Pranab Math Sreemat Swamy Sangeetanandaji Maharaj, General Secretary of Bangladesh Buddhist Federation Ven Bhikkhu Sunandapriya, Executive President of Bangladesh Buddhist Federation Ashoke Barua, General Secretary of Christian Association of Bangladesh William Proloy Sommader, Senior teacher at Green Herald International School Malcom Mandage participated in the dialogue, among others. Students from 15 different educational institutions including colleges, universities and madrasas were also present at the programme.