by Sumon Corraya

In Dhaka, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Christian leaders take part in an interfaith seminar to discuss the country's current situation. For Christian professor, an "image of Bangladesh could emerge as that of a moderate Islamic country, where religious and ethnic minorities live in harmony."

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - In order to overcome Bangladesh's political deadlock and social crisis, the country needs unity, cooperation and dialogue among all its religions, this according to an inter-faith seminar held at Dhaka's BRAC centre.

Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Christian leaders exchanged ideas in front of an audience of about 100 people.

The meeting was organised by the Inter-Faith Dialogue Forum (IFDF) with the support of US Ambassador to Bangladesh Dan W. Mozena.

The seminar focused on what the different religions have in common like peace and unity.

"Today we are at a turning point," said Mabel Gomes, a Catholic professor. "An image of Bangladesh could emerge as that of a moderate Islamic country, where religious and ethnic minorities live in harmony."

"We want," she added, "to protect and promote Bangladesh's traditional heritage, which includes different ethnic and religious groups who have lived and worked together, side by side, in peace and harmony for centuries."

For his part, Imam Syed Zulfiquar Zahoor stated said Islam is "religion of peace". Real "Muslims cannot attack other faiths because they cannot get Allah's blessing".

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