An intercultural approach to Muslim-Hindu interreligious dialogue for building communal harmony in Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh is a multireligious society where each religious group has maintained its culture and religion for umpteen years. However, Islam remains the most popular faith in the community, with 91.04% identifying as Muslims, 7.95% as Hindus, 0.60% as Buddhists, and 0.37% following other religions. Since the secession from Pakistan, i.e. 26th March 1971, the relationship between Muslims and Hindus in Bangladesh had been cordial. But in recent years, the relationship between them has deteriorated due to the unstable socio-political environment. Consequently, sectarian violence is increasing day by day among both communities, where hostile environment within the societies had led to arson, looting, rape and killing. Therefore, this study attempts to inculcate the intercultural approach via inter-religious dialogue between the Muslims and Hindus in Bangladesh. The ultimate strategy is to foster communal coexistence and religious tolerance. This research identifies and highlights shared cultural elements in-built within these two communities. These factors are recognised as the unifying factors to re-unite them. The research methodology employed in this study is based on historical narrative, sociological interpretation and interreligious studies with phenomenological interpretation through the qualitative methods of modern social research. To accomplish the objectives of the study, comprehensive library research and literature reviews were undertaken. This study found that early Islamic rulers had contributed to developing a prosperous Bengali civilisation and nationhood irrespective of culture and religion. Nevertheless, this study also highlights multifaceted challenges in sustaining communal harmony. These challenges encompass a broad spectrum of social, political, religious and economic factors. Finally, this thesis advocates that to address the differences of the two major religious groups of the population is to engage in healthy interreligious dialogues.