Interfaith Harmony Conference at National Press Club

Under the initiative of Hezbut Tawheed, a non-political movement dedicated to the welfare of humanity, a significant discussion meeting was held yesterday to address actions against religious extremism, communalism, and blind faith. Embracing the slogan ‘The essence of all religions - humanity above all,’ the event took place at 3 PM at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Conference Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka.
The meeting was presided over by Imam Hossain Mohammad Salim, the supreme leader of Hezbut Tawheed. In his presidential speech, Mr. Salim highlighted the divisive tactics used by British colonialists to instigate communal riots between Hindus and Muslims in the subcontinent, the repercussions of which are still felt today. He stated, "Each religion has extremist groups that spread hatred against others and fuel the situation with political motives. These are temporary solutions, not true resolutions. Hezbut Tawheed aims to unite followers of all religions based on eternal justice and truth, fostering respect and brotherhood to dismantle the walls between communities. It is time for humanity to become one family again."
The event was conducted by Rufaidah Panni, the central women's affairs secretary of Hezbut Tawheed and editor of the Daily Desherpatra. Distinguished speakers included Dr. Shahjahan Mahmud, chairman of Bangladesh Satellite Company Ltd., Advocate Rana Dasgupta, general secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council, and Sri Basudev Dhar, president of the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council. Additional speakers were Dr. Gyanabodhi Bhikkhu, professor of the Pali Department at Chittagong University, Monindra Kumar Nath, joint general secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council, and professors from Dhaka University, including Dr. Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah and Sukomal Barua, professor Chandranath Podder. Other notable attendees were William Prolay Somadder Bappi, trustee of the Christian Religious Welfare Trust, Srimati Padmavati Devi, joint general secretary of the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council, Pulak Ghatak, General Secretary at Bangladesh Hindu Law Reform Council, and others.
Hezbut Tawheed's information secretary S. M. Samsul Huda, Dhaka Division president Dr. Mahbub Alam Mahfuz, and other prominent media personalities were also present, filling the hall to capacity. The guests discussed the theme of the event, providing their valuable insights. They collectively praised Imam Hossain Mohammad Salim's courageous initiative and expressed a strong desire to work together against extremism, communalism, and blind faith.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of fostering unity and humanity above all religious distinctions, echoing the core message of Hezbut Tawheed.