Published: 11:55 PM, 16 October 2026
Interreligious Harmony Is the Basis of Bangladesh’s Social Amity
Rifat Munir Eti
Just think about the social conditions of nearly two decades past . The people, here in Bangladesh , attend all the programs of the other religions in a peaceful manner. There are no such differences among Hindu, Muslims , Buddhists or Christian friends. In the days of two most significant religious occasions for the Muslims, Eid Ul Fitr and Eid Ul Azha, all other people irrespective of their religious identity join together. There was a large celebration with a lot of delicious dishes, with endless gossiping and in and outdoor chatting. People greet one another with due festivity. The case was almost the same with other members of the society.
People, especially the young generation used to visit the pavilions where Durga Puja , the other remarkable religious festival of the country performed, took the ‘ prashad from their Hindu friends and well wishers, and enjoyed the ceremony much . My personal experience in the late Nineties was also the same. I was brought up in a beautiful hilly region, where my friends were all from different ethnic with a colourful cultural tradition. We visit their homes during Boisabi ( Baishu, Sangrai and Biju ) festivals, and enjoy their traditional cuisine and other dishes, songs and dances, especially in Ful biju , where flowers were placed with a leaf and specially the women let them float in the lakes and rivers.
It was really very nice to watch the colourful view of the river.
In December, last few days, after our victory day performance, we joined the fair, ( Bijoy Mela) which lasted till the thirty first , and on the eve of Christmas kids of that time believed even that Santa came at night and put their gifts on the stockings which they used to hang for them . Cakes and other dishes were served, and kids of other creeds and cultures also seemed waiting for the day.
Now, time has changed. The festivals still remain, but we usually don’t gather in the homes and other open spaces together. Kids nowadays , try to find out their so-called private or personal times. We, the parents, even never encourage them to go or enjoy together. Still there are some families who enjoy the time with their children, friends and family members.
What is important to note is that , in order to ensure a peaceful society, where living of other religions are their democratic rights and freedoms of expression becomes a part of our political culture, we need to revive the spirit, we need to ensure a society based on human dignity and values. And here comes the question of communal harmony. It prevails, no matter how or in what way we look through our fellow beings . It is not their religious identity but the morality and honesty which should be judged first. We know our personal religious rituals are different, but as a Bangladeshi , we all uphold the same values and principles. We want to make a peaceful nation . We want to uphold our cultural diversity. And for that it is the time to show the proper respect of other religions to ensure that harmony . A nation cannot stand simply without it .
Rifat Munir Eti teaches
English language and
literature at Dhaka State College.
