Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to Bangladesh Archbishop Kevin S. Randall paid maiden call on Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Ambassador Masud Bin Momen on Thursday, December 21, at his office in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The Foreign Secretary congratulated Archbishop Kevin S. Randall on his assumption of responsibilities as the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to Bangladesh and assured him full support in discharging his responsibilities.  The Foreign Secretary highlighted Bangladesh’s glorious history of religious harmony and age-old tradition of peaceful coexistence of the people of different religions. He commended the significant role played by the Christian community in Bangladesh through their noticeable involvement in promoting education and social services.  The Apostolic Nuncio appreciated religious harmony in Bangladesh and expressed satisfaction at the constitutional guarantee to freedom of religion. The Foreign Secretary commended the Holy See’s constructive role in promoting global peace and harmony and hoped that the Holy See would apply its high moral standing to impress people across the globe to respect the sacred values and religious symbols of all religions. The Foreign Secretary deeply appreciated Pope Francis’ personal commitment to the cause of over 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas, who fled atrocities in their homeland in Myanmar, and briefed the Apostolic Nuncio about the Rohingyas in Bangladesh and the need for their safe, voluntary and dignified return to their homeland Myanmar at an early date.  He urged the Holy See to encourage Myanmar authorities to create conducive environment for the sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas.

The High Court today lightenthe death sentences of seven jailed militants in the Holey Artisan attack case to imprisonment till death. Justice Sahidul Karim and Justice Md. Mostafizur Rahman's High Court bench announced the verdict on Monday, October 30. The convicts are - Jahangir Hossain, Aslam Hossain Rash, Hadisur Rahman, Rakibul Hasan Regan, Md Abdus Sabur Khan, Shariful Islam Khaled, and Mamunur Rashid Ripon. Earlier on October 11, the High Court (HC) was set to deliver the verdict of the Holey Artisan Bakery attack case today, HC bench of Justice Shahidul Karim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman delivering the date of its verdict. On July 1, 2016, five militants armed with firearms, machetes and grenades attacked in the diplomatic zone of Gulshan. During the attack, they killed three, seven Japanese, nine Italians and one Indian.

The High Court (HC) is set to deliver the verdict of the Holey Artisan Bakery attack case on  Monday, October 30.  Earlier on October 11, An HC bench of Justice Shahidul Karim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman delivering the date of its verdict. On July 1, 2016, five militants armed with firearms, machetes and grenades attacked in the diplomatic zone of Gulshan. During the attack, they killed three, seven Japanese, nine Italians and one Indian.

Muslims across Bangladesh are observing the holy Ashura today (July 29) with due religious fervour and solemnity. On this day in the Hijri year of 61, Hazrat Imam, the grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), along with his family members and 72 followers embraced the martyrdom in the hands of Yazid’s soldiers at the desert of Karbala to uphold the teachings of the Prophet (SM). The day is a public holiday.  On the eve of the holy Ashura, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday issued separate messages, paying deep respect to Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA) and other martyrs of Karbala. Different religious organisations have chalked out various programmes on the occasion. Islamic Foundation arranged a special milad mahfil at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on Saturday on the occasion. Besides, law enforcement agencies have taken special security measures in the capital on the occasion. Adequate security measures have been taken around Imambara Husaini Dalan to ensure smooth observance of Holy Ashura. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private TV channels will air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

The UN Human Rights Council says hate speech is on the rise worldwide. The body voted to condemn Quran burnings and religious hatred following a debate held at Pakistan's request. The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Wednesday adopted a resolution condemning recent incidents in which the Quran was burned. That was despite many countries' choosing not to back the resolution for fear of it infringing on freedom of speech. Amongst the 47 council members, there were 28 votes in favor of the resolution, 12 votes against, and seven abstentions. 'Alarming rise' in acts of religious hatred On Tuesday the UNHCR debated the issues of religious protection and speech rights at an urgent meeting convened at Pakistan's request. Pakistan and other nations said they had been moved to action by "the alarming rise in premeditated and public acts of religious hatred as manifested by recurrent desecration of the Holy Quran in some European and other countries." Mistreating the Quran is considered blasphemy in Islam. "We must see this clearly for what it is: incitement to religious hatred, discrimination and attempts to provoke violence," Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said in a video address to council members. "Speech and inflammatory acts against Muslims, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and actions and speech that target Christians — or minority groups such as Ahmadis, Baha'is or Yazidis — are manifestations of utter disrespect. They are offensive, irresponsible and wrong," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said as the special session got underway. Türk said hate speech must be combated through awareness, dialogue, education and interfaith engagement. He added that provocations such as public Quran burnings "appear to have been manufactured to express contempt and inflame anger; to drive wedges between people; and to provoke, transforming differences of perspective into hatred and, perhaps, violence." "Powered by the tidal forces of social media, and in a context of increasing international and national discord and polarization, hate speech of every kind is rising everywhere," Türk said. "It is harmful to individuals, and it damages the social cohesion necessary to the sound functioning of all societies." Free speech must be weighed against religious freedom The most recent such high-profile incident came in Sweden on June 28, when a Quran burning outside Stockholm's main mosque sparked global backlash among Muslims. Pakistan and members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation hope to get a resolution passed on the issue of Quran burning Tuesday or later in the week. Regardless of the law or personal belief, Türk said, "people need to act with respect for others." Sweden's right-wing government condemned the "Islamophobic" act but said it had an obligation to ensure the "constitutionally protected right to freedom of assembly, expression and demonstration." Türk said: "Every national limit on the greater right of free speech and free expression of opinion must be so formulated so that its only task, its only outcome, can be the protection of the individual — and not the protection of religious doctrines from critical analysis." He warned of the rising tide of hate speech, noting that individuals are continuously singled out for abuse because of their religion, skin color or sexual orientation. Social media, he said, fueled national and international conflicts and polarization. He said segments of societies struggled with religions being misused for political purposes. This is the UNHRC's second of three annual sessions. It will run through Friday.

The UN Human Rights Council says hate speech is on the rise worldwide. The body voted to condemn Quran burnings and religious hatred following a debate held at Pakistan's request. The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Wednesday adopted a resolution condemning recent incidents in which the Quran was burned. That was despite many countries' choosing not to back the resolution for fear of it infringing on freedom of speech. Amongst the 47 council members, there were 28 votes in favor of the resolution, 12 votes against, and seven abstentions. 'Alarming rise' in acts of religious hatred On Tuesday the UNHCR debated the issues of religious protection and speech rights at an urgent meeting convened at Pakistan's request. Pakistan and other nations said they had been moved to action by "the alarming rise in premeditated and public acts of religious hatred as manifested by recurrent desecration of the Holy Quran in some European and other countries." Mistreating the Quran is considered blasphemy in Islam. "We must see this clearly for what it is: incitement to religious hatred, discrimination and attempts to provoke violence," Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said in a video address to council members. "Speech and inflammatory acts against Muslims, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and actions and speech that target Christians — or minority groups such as Ahmadis, Baha'is or Yazidis — are manifestations of utter disrespect. They are offensive, irresponsible and wrong," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said as the special session got underway. Türk said hate speech must be combated through awareness, dialogue, education and interfaith engagement. He added that provocations such as public Quran burnings "appear to have been manufactured to express contempt and inflame anger; to drive wedges between people; and to provoke, transforming differences of perspective into hatred and, perhaps, violence." "Powered by the tidal forces of social media, and in a context of increasing international and national discord and polarization, hate speech of every kind is rising everywhere," Türk said. "It is harmful to individuals, and it damages the social cohesion necessary to the sound functioning of all societies." Free speech must be weighed against religious freedom The most recent such high-profile incident came in Sweden on June 28, when a Quran burning outside Stockholm's main mosque sparked global backlash among Muslims. Pakistan and members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation hope to get a resolution passed on the issue of Quran burning Tuesday or later in the week. Regardless of the law or personal belief, Türk said, "people need to act with respect for others." Sweden's right-wing government condemned the "Islamophobic" act but said it had an obligation to ensure the "constitutionally protected right to freedom of assembly, expression and demonstration." Türk said: "Every national limit on the greater right of free speech and free expression of opinion must be so formulated so that its only task, its only outcome, can be the protection of the individual — and not the protection of religious doctrines from critical analysis." He warned of the rising tide of hate speech, noting that individuals are continuously singled out for abuse because of their religion, skin color or sexual orientation. Social media, he said, fueled national and international conflicts and polarization. He said segments of societies struggled with religions being misused for political purposes. This is the UNHRC's second of three annual sessions. It will run through Friday.

Another year has passed and the holy Eid-ul-Azha has come again. The holy Eid-ul-Azha is being celebrated across the country on Thursday, June 29.  Bringing the message of peace, harmony and joy, this festival is celebrated by Muslims with due religious dignity and solemnity.  At the end of the Eid congregation, devout muslims sacrifice their beloved animals according to their ability in the hope of receiving the grace of Almighty Allah. On this day, many of the Muslims will go to the cemetery after Eid prayers. Stand next to the graves of the departed relatives and pray to Allah for the forgiveness of their souls. Eid-ul-Azha is a festival commemorating the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), his wife Hajera and son Ismail.  This sacrifice is not only an animal sacrifice, but a sacrifice of one's animality, pettiness, selfishness, inferiority and pride.  Although Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated on the 10th of the Arabic Zilhaj month, according to religious rules, animal sacrifice can be performed on any day of the 10th, 11th and 12th of this holy month. On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, President Md Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages expressing sincere congratulations and blessings to all the Muslims of the world including the countrymen.

The holy Hajj formalities have begun on Sunday, june 25. The main activities of Hajj started in the morning, with the journey from Mecca and Mina. The throwing stones at the largest of three columns known as Jamarat will mark the end of Hajj on the 12th of Dhuʻl-Hijjah. The last flight for Hajj departed from Bangladesh on Saturday midnight. Group Captain Muhammed Kamrul Islam, the executive director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, confirmed the matter that the final flight of Flynas Airline carrying the Hajj pilgrims has left for Jeddah. On Sunday, May 21, this year's Hajj pilgrimage began with the first Hajj flight of the Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The pilgrims are being transported by Biman Bangladesh, Saudia, and Flynas Airlines. Biman Bangladesh is carrying 61,151 pilgrims from Bangladesh, while the rest are being transported by Saudia and Flynas Airline. Biman Bangladesh Airline was operated the last Hajj flight on Thursday, june 22. The return Hajj flight of Biman will commence on Monday, July 03.

In a significant archaeological and spiritual discovery, the Jamaat Aitqaad Hanafiya team from South Kashmir unearthed the Holy Cave of Ruma Reshi in Rumsu. This remarkable find has shed light on Kashmir's rich historical and cultural heritage, evoking reverence and awe from both the Muslim and Hindu communities. Renowned religious scholar and former bureaucrat, Farooq Renzu Shah, took to social media to announce this significant achievement by a team from Jamaat Aitqaad Hanafiya of South Kashmir. The team, consisting of Haji Mohammad Abdullah and Haji Nazeer, successfully discovered the Holy Cave of Ruma Reshi in Rumsu, located in the Pulwama District of South Kashmir. According to Shah, Ruma Reshi of Kashmir has historical roots dating back to the time of the last Reshi Queen of Kashmir, Hazrat Kota Raani, who reigned from 1330 to 1339. Ruma Reshi's existence predates well-known figures such as Lala Daed and Sheikh Ul Aalam, as Sheikh Ul Aalam mentioned Ruma Reshi's name alongside Zulqa Reshi. This cave holds immense historical and spiritual significance. Haji Mohammad Abdullah, the Nigraan-e-Aala of Jamaat Aitqaad Hanafiya, was congratulated for identifying the cave. The discovery of the Ruma Reshi cave is considered a significant achievement for the region. It is believed that the cave contains the grave of Ruma Reshi, further adding to its mystic allure. Haji Nazeer Sahib, a companion of Haji Mohammad Abdullah Jeba, also received praise for his involvement in the discovery. Shah mentioned that the entire team of Jamaat Aitqaad Hanafiya International would now expedite their journey to the Ruma Reshi cave in Rumasu. The news of this discovery brought joy to many, with people expressing their happiness and extending their congratulations. One user mentioned that the cave is situated in Rehmu, Pulwama. This exploration of the Holy Cave of Ruma Reshi signifies a remarkable milestone for the Jamaat Aitqaad Hanafiya team as they continue their endeavours to discover and preserve the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Kashmir. Ruma Reshi's existence predating Sheikh Ul Aalam, along with the significant contributions of the last Reshi Queen of Kashmir, Hazrat Kota Rani, from 1330 to 1339, is revered by both the Muslim and Hindu communities for strengthening the Reshi cult. It is highly likely that Ruma Reshi lived during the same period as Kota Rani. Subsequently, Lala Arifa, who lived from 1340 to the period of Shah Hamdan, played a prominent role in the historical landscape. Sheikh Ul Alam was nourished with milk by Lala Daed, further highlighting the interconnectedness of these influential figures. Therefore, the identification of the Holy Cave and Grave of Hazrat Ruma Reshi holds great significance in South Kashmir, the birthplace of Lala Daed and Sheikh Ul Aalam.

The holy Shab-e-Barat -- the night of blessings and forgiveness -- will be observed in Bangladesh tonight with befitting religious fervour. Shab-e-Barat is observed on the 15th night of the Arabic month of Sha'ban. Shab-e-Barat is regarded as a significant occasion during which Muslims pray to Allah and beg for forgiveness for their transgressions. It is thought to absolve them of their sins and bestow upon them good fortune for the entire year. Muslim devotees will offer special prayers, recite from the Holy Quran, and also hold religious gatherings seeking divine blessings for the wellbeing of mankind. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed a ban on using firecrackers in areas under its jurisdiction in the capital ahead of the holy Shab-e-Barat. The 12-hour restriction will come into effect from 6pm this evening and remain in force till 6am the next day, DMP Commissioner Khandker Gulam Faruk said.  The ban was imposed to maintain the law and order in the capital and ensure the sanctity of Shab-e-Barat, he added. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private TV channels and radio stations will air special programmes, highlighting the significance of the night.