All religious communities contribute to Bangladesh's progress: US Ambassador

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen has said that various religious communities play an important role in Bangladesh's development and progress. He noted that people of different religions in the country have long been living together in peaceful coexistence. This practice of social and religious harmony was reflected in an interfaith dialogue organised in Gournadi, Barishal.

The US Ambassador made these remarks during a dialogue with representatives of various religious communities after visiting the Gournadi Catholic Church on Monday, August 10.

The nearly one-hour dialogue, chaired by Father Liton Francis Gomes, was moderated by Gournadi Upazila Executive Officer Md Ibrahim. Information and Broadcasting Minister M Zahir Uddin Swapan also spoke at the event.

Brent Christensen said the concept of religious freedom has been intertwined with American history even before the founding of the United States. People from various countries migrated to America hoping for opportunities to freely practice their religious beliefs. Because of that tradition, religious freedom remains important to the United States.

He said the United States publishes reports every year on the state of religious freedom around the world. The core goal of religious freedom is to ensure that people can practice their religion without fear of persecution, discrimination or violence.

The US Ambassador also emphasised the role of religious leaders in maintaining communal harmony. He said that while establishing harmony is important, preserving it is an even greater responsibility. If religious conflicts arise anywhere, local administrations and religious leaders must remain vigilant to prevent them from escalating into major clashes.

Praising the concept of "everyone's own religion, festivals for all," Christensen said the culture of sharing festivals and joys among people of different religions is also being emphasised in the United States.

Information and Broadcasting Minister M Zahir Uddin Swapan said Bangladesh is currently going through economic challenges. To overcome this situation and build a prosperous economy, ensuring social stability in the country is essential, with religious and social harmony being one of its key foundations.

He said religious harmony is not just about peaceful coexistence; it is directly linked to the country's economic prosperity. When society is stable, the environment for business, trade and investment is strengthened alongside people's normal way of life.

Swapan also highlighted the United States' role in Bangladesh's economy. He said Bangladesh exports a large volume of readymade garments to the United States. At the same time, Bangladeshis living in the US contribute to the economy by sending remittances. Additionally, the US is an important partner in foreign direct investment in Bangladesh.

The dialogue was attended by Gournadi Upazila Executive Officer Md Ibrahim, Agailjhara Upazila Executive Officer Nirupam Majumdar, Vice-Chancellor of the College of Christian Theology Bangladesh Reverend Palash Roy, and representatives from various levels.

Representatives from Muslim, Hindu and Christian communities shared their views on various issues, along with discussions on how to further strengthen religious harmony, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

After the dialogue, the US Ambassador joined a lunch hosted by Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan at his residence in the Sorikol area.

Earlier, during his two-day visit to Barishal, Brent Christensen arrived in Barishal by launch from Dhaka on Sunday morning. At the start of the visit, he visited the floating guava market and orchards in Bheemruli, Jhalakathi. He later visited the historic Miyabari Mosque in Karapur, Barishal, and took a boat ride on the Kirtankhola river.