«Christians have shown their great hearts. We are impressed by their love, compassion, and hospitality. The Iftar meal, prepared by them for the end of Ramadan, has strengthened religious harmony, tolerance, and taught us respect for other faiths,» said Amir Hossian to Fides News Agency.
Hossian is a faithful Muslim who took part in the Iftar event, at the end of the holy month of Ramadan, organized by the Christian Youth Association of Dacca (YMCA). Iftar is the meal Muslims have after sunset during Ramadan. About 400 of the poorest Muslims took part in the program: ecological workers, sewer cleaners, day laborers. Hossian, a laborer in the Mirpur area, said he saw faithful from different communities live brotherly relationships and celebrate religious holidays with members of other communities.
Moniruddin, 68, sewer cleaner, among the most despised workers in Dacca, told Fides he would never have imagined «that a Christian could invite him for the Iftar meal. Christians thought of us, the derelicts in society, this means that they respect us».
According to Aldrick Biswas, Catholic leader, and journalist, «it was an excellent initiative, that of the Dhama YMCA group, in favor of the poorest Muslims. Muslims understood that Christians love them. This helps to strengthen religious harmony.»
Christian leader William Proloy Samadder, president of the YMCA of Dacca, said, «Bangladesh is a country where there is religious harmony. We have organized this Iftar festival to thank those who clean our city. We wanted to show Christian compassion towards them. This initiative will give a message to the nation on tolerance and interreligious harmony.»
