Interfaith Relation National & Regional Perspective

Editorial

Today’s world is besieged with so many acute problems. The nature and extent of the problems are different in different countries and or regions. The problem of community relations and understanding is almost common in multi-ethnic, multi cultural and multi-religious country or region. For so many years the communal riots have vitiated the living environment of South Asia in both colonial and post-colonial era. Apart from this nagging experience, this region is also experiencing internal strife in political front, a struggle for separate home land as is observed in Sri Lanka and India. Ethnic or communal conflicts are very often perpetrated by the executioners on filthy grounds. On the other hand, many ethnic conflicts have cropped up due to prolonged deprivation of human, social economic rights. Oppression by the majority over the minority is also visited in the region.

Having this experience of community relations in mind, when we were asked by the American Cultural Center to participate in a project on social issues, we did it for development of community relation among the religious and ethnic communities in the form of seminars and dialogue in order to create awareness and atmosphere of confidence and goodwill which are experienced to help address the issue from the core.

The project had two components in the form of interfaith dialogue-one on country basis and the other one on the regional basis. The dialogues were participated by the religious leaders, intellectuals, academicians, civil society and community leaders of the religious communities of home and of the region. They

sat across a single table and discussed the various aspects of the communal relation to indicate the ways and means to improve it and create congenial atmosphere of living on a long term basis Papers were presented by the erudite scholars of the religious communities highlighting the views of their religions on peace, stability, prosperity and communal harmony. Elaborate discussions were made by the participants on the presentations. In the concluding session, a number of resolutions were adopted by the house to forward to the national and international stakeholders for their necessary perusals.

It is expected that the outcome of the dialogue will be lasting for long to provide guidance and inspiration in the management of human crises in the event of deteriorating Inter-faith harmony.

We extend our sincere thanks and appreciations to the sponsor the American Center, the religious community leaders, Intellectuals and academicians for their devotion, co-operation and contribution to make the dialogues success. This publication is a proceedings of the above two dialogue which may be helpful for the concerned. I thank those related to the publication for making the job finally done.

May Allah (SWT) grant us mercy and accept this humble contribution for the causes of humanity.

M. Zohurul Islam FCA