ECCLESIA IN ASIA Father Tapan, a Catholic priest among the professors of Dhaka University

The testimony to of the priest, who teaches in the religion department of a public university in a country with an overwhelming Muslim majority: “For many here I am the first opportunity they have in their lives to confront a Christian. I never enter the classroom without wearing my collar. and the cross. Education has a fundamental role in dispelling ignorance and promoting empathy and dialogue.

Dhaka () – Catholic priest and professor at a large public university in a Muslim country. This is the mission of Father Tapan Camillus De Rozario, associate professor of the Department of World Religions and Cultures at the University of Dhaka, a prestigious university (they call it the “Oxford of the East”) attended by 50,000 students.

He was ordained a priest by Pope John Paul II on November 19, 1986, received his doctorate in Biblical Theology at the Pontifical Urbaniana University and was a professor at the Major Seminary of the Holy Spirit. The collaboration with Dhaka University began in 2003, when he was summoned to teach Christianity and Judaism as a guest professor, once a week. In 2010 he had the opportunity to join the university staff, a task he took on with the support and encouragement of then-Archbishop Michael Rozario. Between 2015 and 2018 he was president of the Department of World Religions and Cultures.

“My ministry as a teacher at Dhaka University is deeply rooted in interreligious dialogue and understanding,” Father Tapan tells . It teaches around twelve courses covering a wide spectrum of religious traditions, including Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, indigenous religions and other courses. “My presence in the Department is unique in the sense that I believe I am the only diocesan priest teaching at a public university within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries. My commitment goes beyond academic studies, as I am actively involved in extracurricular activities such as Dhaka University Mime Action (DUMA) and Dhaka University Leadership Development Society (DULDS).” a priestly ministry aimed at the comprehensive formation of the younger generations. His work offers many students who have probably never met a Christian before, the opportunity to confront the Christian religion in first person.

As a priest teaching at Dhaka University, he has encountered numerous barriers, especially due to different religious perspectives and preconceptions in society. Challenges that have required patience, openness and commitment to promote mutual respect and understanding. “Through dialogue and attention to shared human values, I gradually overcame these obstacles, building bridges with students and colleagues,” he explains. My priestly vocation, rooted in compassion and inclusion, has been instrumental in creating an environment where different religions can coexist, contributing to the holistic formation of the young minds I serve.” “I have never entered a classroom without wearing the collar and the cross” – he remembers. As a teacher, students call me ‘Father’. But there are also some radical Islamists who make fun of them saying: ‘How many fathers do you have?'”

In today’s world, violence in the name of religion is a common problem in many regions. As a priest and teacher, Father Tapan believes that to eradicate it, we must begin by promoting understanding and respect for all religions: “Education plays a fundamental role in dispelling ignorance and promoting empathy. By encouraging students to participate in interfaith dialogue, we can help them appreciate the common values ​​that religions share, such as peace, compassion and justice.

“As a priest at a public university – he continues – my role is to bear witness to the teachings of Christ, especially his message of love and non-violence, respecting the convictions of others. Build relationships based on trust and mutual respect , inside and outside the classroom, can break down the barriers of fear and prejudice. True peace can only be achieved when we embrace the dignity of every person, regardless of their religion.

Father Tapan believes that the beauty of the Department of World Religions and Cultures lies in its diversified and dialogic environment, where students of various faiths explore the world’s religious traditions together. This openness fosters mutual respect and understanding, and embodies the department’s motto: “Religion for Peace.”

“In class, I encourage open-mindedness and understanding, as a reflection of Christ’s message of love and acceptance. By promoting dialogue and creating a space for diverse perspectives, my goal is to build a community of students who value peace, justice and service to others. My approach to teaching is based on humility and a commitment to cultivating the holistic growth of my students, guiding them toward compassionate living.”

In his department he promoted the formation of a library named after the servant of God TA Ganguly, who was archbishop of Dhaka between 1967 and 1977, and has personally donated five computers for students to use. “I have wanted to honor the memory of Archbishop Garguly, whose dedication to education resonates deeply with my mission. The creation of this library promotes Christian thought, encourages interfaith dialogue, and provides valuable educational resources to nurture young minds. If we continue to foster dialogue and understanding between students of different religions and cultures, we can create a more inclusive and harmonious academic environment. I remain committed to affirming this vision, encouraging the next generation to contribute to the peace and unity of the world. I hope and pray that other men of the Church follow in my footsteps at this University.

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