Pope Francison Thursdayurged the international community to take decisive measures to address grave crisis in Rakhine State but he stopped short of uttering the word ‘Rohingya’ in consistence to the papal stance in Myanmar.
He sought decisive measures not only by working to resolve the political issues that have led to the mass displacement of people, but also by offering immediate material assistance to Bangladesh in its effort to respond effectively to urgent human needs.
He made the call while addressing at the meeting with government and civil authorities and the Diplomatic Corps at Bangabhaban in the evening.
Pope arrived to Dhaka Thursday afternoon wrapping up his tour to Myanmar. There too, Pope preferred not uttering the word ‘Rohingya’ and such guarded papal preference on this issue drew much media attention.
In recent months, Pope said, the spirit of generosity
and solidarity which is a distinguishing mark of Bangladeshi society has been seen most vividly in its humanitarian outreach to a massive influx of refugeesfrom Rakhine State, providing them with temporary shelter and the basic necessities of life.
“This has been done at no little sacrifice. It has also been done before the eyes of the whole world. None of us can fail to be aware of the gravity of the situation, the immense toll of human suffering involved, and the precarious living conditions of so many of our brothers and sisters, a majority of whom are women and children, crowded in the refugee camps,” he said.
Although his visit is primarily addressed to Bangladesh’s Catholic community, a privileged moment will be his meetingtomorrowin Ramna with ecumenical and interreligious leaders.
“Together we will pray for peace and reaffirm our commitment to work for peace. Bangladesh is known for the harmony that has traditionally existed between followers of the various religions,” he said.
Pope said this atmosphere of mutual respect, and a growing climate of interreligious dialogue, enables believers to express freely their deepest convictions about the meaning and purpose of life.
“In this way, they can contribute to promoting the spiritual values that are the sure basis for a just and peaceful society. In a world where religion is often – scandalously – misused to foment division, such a witness to its reconciling and unifying power is all the more necessary.”
Pope mentioned that this was seen in a particularly eloquent way in the common reaction of indignation that followed last year’s brutal terrorist attack here in Dhaka, and in the clear message sent by the nation’s religious authorities that the most holy name of God can never be invoked to justify hatred and violence against our fellow human beings.
He said Bangladesh’s Catholics, though relatively few in number, nonetheless seek to play a constructive role in the development of the country, particularly through their schools, clinics and dispensaries.
The Church appreciates the freedom to practice her faith and to pursue her charitable works, which benefit the entire nation, not least by providing young people, who represent the future of society, with a quality education and training in sound ethical and human values.
He thanked President Abdul Hamid for the kind invitation to visit Bangladesh and for his gracious words of welcome.
“I come here in the footsteps of two of my predecessors, Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II, to pray with my Catholic brothers and sisters, and to offer them a message of affection and encouragement,” he said.
Pope said Bangladesh is a young state, yet it has always had a special place in the heart of the Popes, who from the start have expressed solidarity with its people, sought to accompany them in overcoming initial adversities, and supported them in the demanding task of nation-building and development.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to address this assembly, which brings together men and women with particular responsibilities for shaping the future of Bangladeshi society.”
During his flight here, he was reminded that Bangladesh – “Golden Bengal” – is a country united by a vast network of rivers and waterways, great and small.
“That natural beauty is, I think, symbolic of your particular identity as a people. Bangladesh is a nation that strives to join unity of language and culture with respect for the different traditions and communities which, like so many streams, draw from, and return to enrich, the great current of the political and social life of the country,” Pope said.
In today’s world, no single community, nation or state can survive and make progress in isolation, he said.
“As members of the one human family, we need one another and are dependent on one another.President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman understood and sought to embody this principle in the national Constitution.”
He said Bangabandhu envisioned a modern, pluralistic and inclusive society in which every person and community could live in freedom, peace and security, with respect for the innate dignity and equal rights of all.
“The future of this young democracy and the health of its political life are essentially linked to fidelity to that founding vision. For only through sincere dialogue and respect for legitimate diversity can a people reconcile divisions, overcome unilateral perspectives, and recognize the validity of differing viewpoints,” he said.
Because true dialogue looks to the future, it builds unity in the service of the common good and is concerned for the needs of all citizens, especially the poor, the underprivileged and those who have no voice, he added.
