BANGLADESH Yunus reassures religious leaders after tensions over Hindus

The head of the transitional government met with 32 representatives of religious communities, declaring that everyone in Bangladesh is part of the same family and pointing the finger at the “misinformation” of some Hindu media. The parish priest of Dhaka Cathedral told : “We have recognized that, although some incidents have occurred, exaggerated or false news is also spread. “We want to live in harmony.”

Dhaka () – The chief advisor of Bangladesh, Professor Muhammad Yunus, yesterday called a new meeting with Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist leaders at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. The debate focused on what he called the fight against disinformation published by the Indian media about the alleged persecution of minority religious communities in Bangladesh.

«The Honorable Chief Counsel invited us to share our perspectives. We recognized that, although some incidents have occurred, some media outlets spread exaggerated or false information,” Father Albert Rozario, parish priest of the Cathedral of Saint Mary in Dhaka, told . The meeting, which lasted two and a half hours, was attended by 32 representatives of various religious communities, 26 of whom spoke. Leaders of all faiths stressed that people of different religions live in harmony in Bangladesh. They unanimously criticized the Indian media for spreading propaganda aimed at creating unrest in the country.

Following their talks with Yunus, the religious leaders spoke to journalists. “Minorities in our country are safe and both the government and religious communities are actively working to ensure harmony. We wanted to convey to the Chief Councilor that we are united,” the participants said in a joint statement.

The meeting came after tensions sparked by the arrest on November 25 of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Vaishnavite figure and former member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh. Thousands of Hindus then protested and Indian media reported on the difficulties faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh. In response, Yunus sought the opinion of religious leaders, having previously consulted with political figures.

P. Rozario acknowledged that while incidents of persecution have occurred in the past and continue at a minimal level, the recent arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has created a climate of fear among minority communities. «Dr. Yunus asked us to inform him if religious minorities were going to suffer persecution. We urge you to create an environment in which religious minorities can live without fear,” Father Rozario told , adding that he had called for the immediate release on bail of Chinmoy Krishna Das.

The Sister Reba Veronica D’Costa, a member of the Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions and the only woman among the religious leaders present, stressed the importance of unity and vigilance against misinformation. We, as religious leaders, are united in our desire for harmony,” said Sr. D’Costa, former superior of her congregation and an advocate for interreligious dialogue, “and we must remain vigilant to ensure that no media outlets spread false narratives about persecution.” He also encouraged the youth of Bangladesh to show patience and restraint in the face of these challenges.

Islamic scholar and Chairman of As-Sunnah Foundation, Sheikh Ahmadullah, speaking about the recent incidents, noted: “Despite the murder of lawyer Alif in Chittagong and the brutal murder of two construction workers of a mosque in Faridpur, the Muslims across the country have shown remarkable patience and restraint. “We applaud this attitude and affirm our commitment to preserving harmony.”

Mahajan Swami Hari Premanand, Hindu leader of the Ramakrishna Mission, also echoed similar sentiments: “The meeting focused on religious harmony. We want a neutral and non-sectarian Bangladesh. The discussions reinforced the importance of maintaining this harmony.

Avinash Mitra, co-director of the Ramna Harichand temple, expressed concern over outside influences. «Discord is fueled by those who fan the flames. It is crucial to prevent external forces from attacking Hindus in our country,” he said.

During the meeting, Dr. Muhammad Yunus stressed on unity despite differences of religion, caste and opinion. «In Bangladesh we are all part of the same family. Our differences do not make us enemies,” he said. He also stressed the need to gather information carefully and respectfully, ensuring that no one feels embarrassed or threatened by sharing their concerns. “Those guilty of crimes,” he concluded, “must be held accountable, but justice must be pursued without prejudice or division.”