Thu Mar 27 05:30:42 UTC 2025: ## Dhaka Monastery Offers Iftar Meals, a Beacon of Interfaith Harmony Amidst Political Uncertainty
**DHAKA, BANGLADESH** – Amidst rising religious tensions following the ouster of former leader Sheikh Hasina, the Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery in Dhaka is providing a powerful example of interfaith harmony. For over a decade, the monastery has offered free iftar meals to hundreds of impoverished residents during Ramadan, a tradition that has taken on new significance this year.
The monastery’s act of kindness provides crucial sustenance for many struggling families. Moushumi Begum, a recipient of the iftar meals, expressed gratitude for the monastery’s generosity. Abbot Buddha Priya Mahathero explained that the initiative began in 2013 with the simple goal of ensuring no one goes hungry during the fasting month.
The monastery’s commitment to interfaith cooperation dates back to its founding in 1960. Its history includes the establishment of an interfaith orphanage after the 1971 liberation war. This latest initiative stands in stark contrast to the increased anxieties felt by religious minorities since last year’s political upheaval. Reports of attacks on Hindu households and Sufi shrines have raised concerns, with some attributing the violence to political motives rather than purely religious hatred.
Despite the volatile climate, the Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery remains a haven of peace, receiving support from various political parties who have pledged protection. The monastery’s continued operation serves as a powerful symbol of hope and tolerance in a nation grappling with political and religious tensions.
First Piper 