Bolster efforts to fight pandemic of intolerance: Momen
He also expressed deep concerns about the recent trend in some countries where specific religions have been targeted for attack
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has called for an integrated approach and a rock-solid partnership to fight against the pandemic of intolerance.
While addressing a high-level virtual ministerial meeting to Advance Freedom of Religion or Belief organised by Poland on Monday, the Foreign Minister expressed deep concerns over the recent rise of hate speech, xenophobic mindsets and human rights violations targeting religious minorities.
Momen highlighted that even in this current global context, Bangladesh has steadfastly maintained a peaceful co-existence of different groups and ensured the safety and security of all citizens, irrespective of religious background.
He underscored the secular identity of Bangladesh, as laid down by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
In his remarks, the Foreign Minister reiterated the government's "zero tolerance" approach to any form of violence and discrimination against religious minorities, under any pretext.
Momen also expressed deep concerns about the recent worrying trend in some countries, where specific religions have been targeted for attack and minorities have been persecuted on the basis ethnicity and religion.
He referred to the mass atrocities and persecution of Rohingyas by the Myanmar authorities and their temporary refuge in Bangladesh.
The Foreign Minister spoke about the importance inculcating a mindset of tolerance and respect for each other, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, colour, and background.
He also stressed the need to promote inter-religious and interfaith dialogues to advance harmony and peace in society.
The meeting was attended by high-level representatives from more than 50 states, including Poland, USA, Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Uzbekistan, Slovakia, Morocco, Latvia and Kazakhstan.