Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor, Prof A.S.M. Kamal has said that Bangladesh has achieved independence with a spirit of secularism and the people of this country share mutual respect for all religions.

He said this while addressing the “27th International Interfaith Prayer Gathering” at the Engineers Institution Auditorium on Friday, organized by Hakkani Anjuman.

“Respect for both one's faith and that of others is integral to the Bengali way of life,” A.S.M. Kamal said while addressing the event.

He urged nurturing a sense of inclusivity and respect among people of all religions on the paths of truth and justice.

The term "Hakkani Anjuman," he explained, signifies the gathering of accomplished stars.
Rather than building walls, these stars create bridges of love, he said.
The gathering echoed the sentiment that diversity and inclusiveness are the fundamental aspect of Bangladesh's identity, fostering understanding and mutual respect among people of different faiths.

Representatives from different religious organisations including President of the Bangladesh National Hindu Society Prof Hirendranath Biswas, Senior Vice President of the Bangladesh Buddhist Cultural Promotion Association Bishwa Priya Mather, and Sikh community representative Bhai Singh Veer Singh, and Editor of the Bangladesh Brahmo Samaj Rana Veer Pal attended the event.

The event was also graced by Hakkani Anjuman President Alhaj Ikbal Hossain, Khadem of the Central Office in Kolkata Munshi Badiar Rahman, lawmaker Sagufa Yasmin, Palestinian Ambassador in Bangladesh Yousuf Ramadan, French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy, renowned nuclear scientist Prof M Shamsher Ali, former Foreign Minister Abul Hasan Chowdhury, former Chairman of the World Religion and Culture Department at Dhaka University Prof Kazi Nurul Islam, former Chairman of the World Religion Philosophy and Culture Department at Dhaka University Father Topon D'Rosario, and President of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad J.L. Bhowmik attended the event among others.