Zaker ALi Shuva

A discussion meeting was held at Khater Ali Degree College in Kushtia Sadar Upazila on December 15, 2024, calling for the avoidance of political, religious and ethnic violence and maintaining inter-religious harmony. The meeting was organized in the college’s meeting room under the initiative of the Peace Facilitator Group (PFG) of Sadar Upazila under the MIPS project of The Hunger Project.

The program was moderated by Abdul Mannan Badsha, Peace Ambassador of the Upazila Peace Facilitator Group, and chaired by Coordinator Professor Moha. Shafiqul Islam. Acting Principal of Khater Ali Degree College, Md. Amirul Islam, spoke as the chief guest.

MIPS Project Field Coordinator Md. Ashrafuzzaman and Peace Ambassador Abdul Mannan Badsha presented the keynote speeches and articles at the meeting. Youth Leader Md. Golam Maula, YPAG Co-Coordinator Md. Sabuj Hossain and Teacher Mr. Mohammad Moin Uddin were in charge of the overall management.

The following spoke as special guests and discussants at the event: District Imam Samity General Secretary and PFG Member Md. Sharifuzzaman, Heroic freedom fighter Rabindra Nath Sen, Bangladesh Christian Association (BCA) General Secretary Rev. Zaker ALi Shuva, Abdalpur Union Chairman Ali Haider Swapan, former Chairman Md. Liaquat Ali, BNP Union President Professor Md. Mahasin Ali, Head Teacher Md. Helal Uddin, local religious leader Dr. Osman Ali, National People’s Front leader Professor Satyanath Biswas, student leader Md. Ashiqur Rahman, ICT teacher Md. Atiqul Gani Atiq, religious leaders, teachers, journalists, civil society representatives and various political figures were also present at the meeting.

The speakers at the meeting said that all religions talk about peace and harmony and encourage building a tolerant society through humane behavior. It is important to establish a non-communal, just and peaceful social system through the practice of brotherhood and tolerance. The speakers called for solidarity and cooperation by avoiding political, religious and ethnic extremism.

The meeting ended with a strong commitment to raising awareness and establishing harmony to eliminate violence.