A call for unity

Dr. Pranab Kumar Pandey:

At the core of liberal democratic values lies the principle of inclusivity and respect for individual rights, irrespective of one's faith. Interfaith friendships serve as a living testament to these principles by transcending religious boundaries and fostering mutual understanding.

They encourage dialogue, empathy, and cooperation among diverse communities, which are the lifeblood of any thriving democracy. These friendships exemplify the peaceful coexistence of different belief systems, providing a counter-narrative to religious tensions or prejudices.

In a liberal democracy, where diverse perspectives and backgrounds should be celebrated, interfaith friendships act as a bridge, promoting unity and strengthening the social fabric essential for a resilient democratic society.

In Bangladesh, interfaith friendships have historically played a significant role in fostering a sense of unity among various religious communities. In the diverse tapestry of the country, friendships have often transcended religious boundaries, fostering harmony among communities for generations. However, recent times have witnessed a significant decline in interfaith friendships, raising concerns among many about the fabric of social cohesion in the country.

The shift in interfaith friendships in Bangladesh can be traced back to a complex interplay of factors, such as escalating political polarization, widening economic disparities, and the sway of external influences.

Nevertheless, amid these challenges, it's heartening to observe that many Bangladeshis continue to uphold robust friendships. These bonds not only provide personal support and solidarity but also contribute to communal strength. The real test, however, lies in preserving and nurturing these relationships, ensuring they remain a fundamental pillar of unity and tolerance in Bangladesh's diverse and culturally rich society.

The country faced considerable turmoil during its struggle for independence from Pakistan in 1971. While the nation emerged as a beacon of religious freedom, historical scars and mistrust still linger among some communities. Over time, communities may have become more geographically segregated, leading to reduced opportunities for inter-faith interactions. This separation can lead to misunderstandings and misconceptions about people from different backgrounds.

Socioeconomic disparities can also play a role, as individuals from different religious communities may have differing access to education, employment, and resources, leading to limited cross-community interactions. External factors, such as political rhetoric and polarization, can exacerbate divisions and discourage interfaith friendships. This decline of interfaith friendships in Bangladesh poses profound challenges for the nation.

Firstly, it jeopardizes social harmony, potentially sowing seeds of mistrust and division among religious communities, undermining the peaceful coexistence that has long defined Bangladesh.

Secondly, it tarnishes the nation's image as a pluralistic society, diminishing its appeal to the international community and potentially affecting foreign investments and tourism.

Furthermore, the erosion of interfaith friendships hampers collective progress, as these relationships have historically been instrumental in facilitating cooperation, resource-sharing, and collaborative efforts for social development. Economic disparities between religious communities may widen, and young people may miss out on the growth-enhancing benefits of exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences.

To address these challenges, proactive measures promoting interfaith friendships, religious tolerance, and inclusive policies are imperative to uphold Bangladesh's tradition of unity in diversity and its reputation as a harmonious and pluralistic society.

To chart a way forward for Bangladesh in revitalizing interfaith friendships, a multifaceted approach is essential. Education and awareness campaigns must be intensified, with a focus on instilling the values of unity in diversity and the importance of interfaith friendships from an early age.

These campaigns can help counteract misconceptions and prejudices that may have developed over time. Simultaneously, community-based initiatives should be actively encouraged, providing safe spaces for people from different religious backgrounds to come together, share experiences, and build lasting bonds based on mutual understanding and respect.

Media outlets must also play a role in fostering interfaith harmony by responsibly reporting stories that highlight instances of cooperation and understanding among religious communities, while refraining from sensationalizing divisive content.

Political leaders and policymakers should take concrete steps to ensure inclusive policies that protect religious freedom and promote interfaith dialogue. Additionally, engaging young people in activities designed to promote friendships across religious lines is crucial, as the youth are the future of the nation and can carry forward the values of tolerance and unity.

By implementing these measures, Bangladesh can work towards revitalizing interfaith friendships, fostering a more inclusive society, and preserving its reputation as a harmonious and pluralistic nation.

Dr Pranab Kumar Panday is a Professor in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Rajshahi.