Chief justice calls for all to rise above divisions of religions, gender and race

Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has called for all to rise above
all the divisions of religions, gender and race for building a peaceful,
inclusive and prosperous country.
"Your
religion, your gender, your race, your language, or the colour of your skin —
none of these should matter. We must rise above all divisions," he told
journalists after attending a reception to a Vatican delegation at Dhaka's
Archbishop's House on Saturday evening.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh (CBCB) organised
the event to welcome Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, prefect of the Vatican's
Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. The delegation also included Monsignor
Indunil Janakaratne Kodithuwakku Kankanamalage, secretary of the dicastery, Fr
Joseph Victor Edwin, SJ, and Fr Marcus Solo Keota, SVD.
The
delegation arrived in Dhaka on a weeklong visit Saturday morning to promote
interfaith dialogue and social harmony, and will attend a series of events
including with teachers and students, interfaith leaders, visit the National
Mosque and Islamic Foundation, Buddhist and Hindu temples and Catholic church
in Dhaka.
Talking to
media, Chief Justice Refaat said, "We spoke today of a great ideal — an
ideal that may, at times, face obstacles and challenges. The continuity of
striving toward that ideal may be interrupted, but that should never discourage
us."
Asked on
differences on some of the pertinent social and political issues in Bangladesh
as the country transitions to democracy after a mass uprising, the chief
justice said there needs to be more dialogue and joint efforts to continue.
"We
must sit together and examine the root causes of these events — why they
happen, where they originate.
"Let
us not be discouraged. Let us not lose hope. We must embrace unity in
diversity," he said.
The chief
justice said, "We need to cultivate understanding. We need patience. And
we need to be realistic."
"Every
religion teaches respect for others. Our Constitution upholds the principle of
religious freedom. Through mutual dialogue and peaceful coexistence, people of
all faiths in Bangladesh can build a society rooted in harmony," he said
while addressing the reception as chief guest.
Cardinal
George Koovakad praised Bangladesh's legacy of peaceful coexistence, saying
that Bangladesh is a shining example of communal harmony, where Hindus,
Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims live together peacefully.
"Such
harmony enhances human dignity."
Referring
to Pope Francis, he said his encyclical Fratelli Tutti reminds us that in this
age of globalisation, "we must resist extreme nationalist and sectarian
attitudes. These attitudes tolerate only their own interests and view
everything outside themselves as a threat."
Cardinal
Koovakad reminded that inter-religious dialogue is not a political issue. The
effects or fruit of the dialogue can only bring about deeper harmony amongst
the people.
Archbishop
Bejoy D'Cruze, OMI, Chairman of CBCB, delivered the welcome address.
"I
warmly welcome Cardinal George Koovakad to Bangladesh. Your presence and
guidance will greatly contribute to fostering harmony among people of different
religious traditions in our country."
















