In an extraordinary display of unity and shared purpose, religious and interfaith leaders from diverse faiths and traditions came together at the Archbishop House, Kolkata, to address the alarming attack and atrocities being committed against religious minorities and peaceful practitioners of faith in Bangladesh. The meeting, organized by the United Interfaith Foundation - India, sought to deliberate on actionable measures to counter these inhumane acts and uphold the sanctity of all faiths. The meeting commenced with an invocation of peace and harmony, setting the tone for a deeply empathetic and determined dialogue. The Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza, Archbishop of Kolkata and President of UIFI, addressed the meeting with an impassioned opening statement, highlighting the urgency of the issue. He emphasized, “The attack on any faith in any part of the globe is an attack on humanity itself. As spiritual leaders, it is our sacred duty to protect the vulnerable and ensure justice prevails. We must stand united in this hour of crisis to uphold the principles of love, peace, and mutual respect.” Prominent participants included Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, General Secretary of the United Interfaith Foundation – India and Member West Bengal Minorities Commission ,Vishwambar Gauranga Das from ISKCON, Moulana Qari Fazlur Rahman (Senior Imam conducting Eid Namaz at Red Road), Br. Divakar Chaitanya from Chinmay Mission, Fr. Dominic Gomes, PRO Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Calcutta; Moulana, Dr. Arunjyoti Bhikkhu of Tollygunge Sambodhi Buddhist Monastery; Fr Franklin Menezes Pro Vicar General Cathedral Of The Most Holy Rosary, Moulana Syed Zaki Hasan Rizvi, Imam Juma Shia Jama Masjid, Kolkata, Nanak Sambtani from Holy Mission of Guru Nanak, Ervard Jimmy Taraporwalla, the Head of the Parsi Fire Temple, Munni Mani Kumar Maharaj from Jain Community, Ven Miao Ru from Buddha Light International Association, Shri Dipankar Basu from Matri Mandir, Shri Sandip Nowlakha from Art of Living and Sisters from Missionaries of Charities among others who were present who lent their wisdom to the proceedings. Md Shafique Qasmi (Imam of Nakhoda Masjid) was travelling, however expressed his deep concern and shared solidarity with the people affected. The gathering was immensely sad and worried regarding the escalating violence and discrimination faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh, calling it a grave violation of human dignity and religious freedom. Each speaker emphasized that such acts are not confined to the victims but scar the collective conscience of humanity. The room reverberated with a shared resolve to take decisive steps to uphold justice, solidarity, and peace. The members resolved to raise the issue at national and international platforms, advocating for justice and stringent action against perpetrators. Including commitments were made to provide moral and spiritual support to affected communities, ensuring that their voices are not silenced. Recognizing the power of dialogue, leaders agreed to strengthen interfaith initiatives aimed at fostering understanding and collaboration among communities.

Satnam Singh Ahluwalia,General Secretary of the United Interfaith Foundation – India and West Bengal Minorities Commission Member, spoke with deep conviction, stating, “We stand at a pivotal moment in history where the plight of minorities in Bangladesh transcends borders; it is not just their anguish but a profound wound on the collective soul of humanity. Bangladesh is more than a geographical neighbor—it is a cherished part of our shared heritage, bound by ties of blood, culture, language and faith.This gathering is not merely an assembly of leaders but a collective awakening of conscience. It is a reaffirmation of our shared moral duty to protect the sanctity of life, the dignity of faith, and the essence of humanity.”Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, further added that “The meeting further deliberated and came to a consensus to meet the Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, requesting him to use his good office to advocate for the cause. A similar appeal will be made to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, underscoring the urgency of the situation. A small delegation of interfaith leaders will also visit their respective offices to present the resolutions and discuss measures to address these issues effectively. A delegation will also visit the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh in Kolkata to address the ongoing issues effectively. This initiative highlights the shared responsibility as immediate neighbors of Bangladesh, which remains an integral part of the larger Bengal region. The interconnectedness of our people, our borders, and our histories demands that we act with compassion and solidarity. The minorities and peaceful practitioners of other faiths across the border are as much our concern as they are theirs, and together, we must work to ensure their safety and dignity.

Vishwambar Gauranga Das, from ISKCON, thanked the members for their spiritual obligation to protect the oppressed, saying, “It is our dharma to ensure that the sanctity of life and faith is preserved. When hatred seeks to divide, we must stand as a shield, embodying compassion and selflessness. This gathering of members of United Interfaith Foundation - India is a testament to the shared mission of creating a world where love prevails over animosity.” Moulana Qari Fazlur Rahman, Senior Imam conducting Eid Namaz at Red Road, emphasized the sacred duty to protect the oppressed, saying, “Our faith teaches us to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable. The suffering of any community is a shared pain, and it is our moral and spiritual obligation to act. Through this unity, we send a powerful message that the voice of peace and justice cannot be silenced.”

Br. Divakar Chaitanya from the Chinmaya Mission shared his wisdom, stating, “The essence of every spiritual path lies in the principles of harmony and selfless service. The plight of minorities in Bangladesh is a call for each of us to transcend barriers and work unitedly to restore peace and dignity. This meeting is a reflection of the strength that comes from unity and the unwavering resolve to stand against injustice.”

Moulana Syed Zaki Hasan Rizvi, Imam Juma Shia Jama Masjid Kolkata, added a poignant perspective, “The oppression of any community is a stain on humanity’s fabric. As custodians of faith, we must rise against such injustices with courage and integrity. Our message to the world is clear: there is no place for hatred where the seeds of peace can flourish.” The event concluded with a Prayer for Peace, Unity and Brotherhood followed by a moment of silence for the victims and a shared pledge by all attendees to uphold the principles of harmony, justice, and mutual respect. The United Interfaith Foundation - India, under its unwavering commitment to fostering unity and peace, will continue to lead efforts to protect the vulnerable and uphold the values that form the bedrock of a harmonious society. This meeting is a testament to the power of collective resolve and a beacon of hope for the times ahead.