International festival of tolerance held in Dhaka

The festival of tolerance should be celebrated at each and every house in Bangladesh. People should be inspired by the spirit of harmony. It is the moral duty of each person to regard people of all races, religions and gender in the eye of respect said by eminent fiction writer and president of Bangla Academy and chief guest of event Selina Hossain.

Institute for Environment and Development (IED), Action Aid Bangladesh, Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), The Asia Foundation, British High Commission, Embassy of Denmark Dhaka, Norwegian Embassy Dhaka and UNDP Bangladesh jointly hosted the event to mark the international day of tolerance on November 16, 2022 at the precinct of Bangla Academy in Dhaka.

Ms. Aroma Dutta, MP, Bangladesh National Parliament said, the birth of Bangladesh is from harmony where people of all races, religions, creeds and languages got liberated the country unitedly. But unfortunately, the temper of tolerance is somehow reducing day by day. To build up a country of non-communal and multi-race in the true sense, we need to continue the discussion and dialogue of harmony every day.

Ms. Van Nuyen, Deputy Residence Representative, UNDP Bangladesh said in her welcome tone, Bangladesh has a long history of rich cultural, religious and ethnic diversity. For decades, the country has embraced the values to live with togetherness in diversity.

Md. Akhtaruzzaman, Vice Chancellor, University of Dhaka and chief guest of the inaugural session has given heartfelt thanks to the host organizers Forever, Bangladesh is the land of harmony for all race and religion. But in the course of time, some vested and evil groups disturb the ground spirit of peaceful coexistence and harmony. This festival is the collaborative efforts to counter the narrative against those evil forces.

Norway always respects diversity and harmony with special attention and dignity. It is our trusts that Bangladesh too will maintain this positive trend of uplifting humanity, harmony and coexistence aiming at balanced and just development, said Ms. Sijle Finnes Wannebo, The Mission Head, Norwegian Embassy of Dhaka.

Conveying deepest gratitude to the organizers, Mr. Matt Cannel, Development Director to British High Commission, Bangladesh said, Bangladesh has a history of tolerance and harmony. However, intolerance, violence and fanaticism are in the rise in recent times. UK is always extending support to continue the dialogue for ensuring peaceful coexistence for all.

HE, Winnie Estrub Peterson, Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh said, tolerance is highly important for all of us. It is our duty and responsibility to respect and appreciate harmony and cultural diversity for the sake of world’s humanity.

Mr. Kazi Faisal Bin Seraj, The Country Representative, The Asia Foundation said, Once, the University of Dhaka was the melting spot for practicing politics and culture. The trend of lively discussion among the diverse race and religion was continued. It is the craving need to bring back the trend of cordial dialogue with all in this hard times.

Our new generation are in the transition period. There are virtual and mundane world ahead of them. It is crucial to synchronize between the two worlds, said Nazmul Ahsan, Manager, Young People Project, Action Aid Bangladesh.

Numan Ahmed Khan, Executive Director of IED said, social media is increasingly used as tools for spreading hate speech and disinformation, calling hatred and violence against minority and vulnerable groups. We all need to promote greater dignity and respect for diversity in order to prevent increased incitement, discrimination, hatred, intolerance and violence against minorities and vulnerable people.

Shaheen Anam, Chairperson of the Inaugural Session and Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) said, it is not enough to accept diversity only, we need to celebrate this spirit. Indigenous Peoples of our land are losing their languages, land and culture. It is only possible to build secular and non-communal Bangladesh guaranteeing the protection of all races, religion,s and languages.

The festival featured on Potsong, Adivasi dance, folk song, drum playing, group dance of transgender community, drama, storytelling, and screening of documentaries and art that highlighted the culture and rich diversity of the country. Apart from that various stalls were decorated with indigenous foods & artifacts, Bangali food and cloth items. Along the cultural event, the interfaith discussion was held engaging youth, educationists and development practitioners.

In the evening session, cultural event was held where Tonger Gaan, F Minor, Joler Gaan and MADAL performed their cultural presentations.