Free, responsible intellectual discourse vital for peaceful coexistence: Swapon

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today (4 July) underscored the importance of free and responsible intellectual discourse, saying it is essential for ensuring peaceful coexistence in a world marked by diverse opinions, ideologies and cultures.

"The world is passing through a profound and complex crisis, and no single ideology, philosophy or school of thought can provide a lasting solution for human civilization," he said.

The minister made the remarks while inaugurating the international platform for global research, dialogue and knowledge-sharing, 'Al-Ummah Journal and Website', at a hotel in Tejgaon in the capital organised by Al-Ummah Foundation.

Former Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain chaired the event, while renowned Turkish academic and author Professor Yasin Aktay attended as the special guest. Chairman of the Al-Ummah Foundation and Editor-in-Chief of the journal Mohammad Zakir Hossain delivered the welcome address.

Swapon said peaceful coexistence could only be achieved through the free exchange of diverse ideas and viewpoints based on mutual understanding. "For that, free and responsible intellectual discourse is essential," he said.

Highlighting the growing spread of misinformation and polarization on digital platforms, the minister stressed the need for credible intellectual initiatives grounded in knowledge, ethics and responsibility.

He expressed hope that the Al-Ummah Journal and Website would emerge as a trusted platform for research, informed discussion and intellectual contributions.

The minister said linguistic, ethnic, religious, cultural and geographical diversity are fundamental realities that must be respected.

"No particular identity or group can solely rule or dominate the world. Scholars and researchers of all ideologies must work together to find common solutions that serve humanity," he said, adding that no single historical figure or society alone had been able to provide lasting solutions to global challenges.

Referring to the country's political context, the minister said the government remains committed to diversity, peaceful coexistence and democratic values. He said it encourages the free expression and healthy exchange of ideas, adding that the objectives of the Al-Ummah Journal are consistent with the government's principles.

He also welcomed the initiative to publish the journal in Bangla, English, Arabic and Turkish, saying multilingual publication would help promote mutual understanding among different cultures and reduce misunderstandings at both national and international levels.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Yasin Aktay said the Muslim world possesses a rich intellectual heritage that should be connected with contemporary global realities.

He said the Al-Ummah platform could play an important role in bringing together scholars and thinkers from different parts of the world.

In his remarks, Dr AFM Khalid Hossain said the initiative would help strengthen strategic cooperation among member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and contribute to addressing contemporary challenges facing the Muslim Ummah through knowledge-based solutions.

The inauguration ceremony also featured a panel discussion involving researchers, academics and experts from home and abroad.

The discussion focused on issues related to intellectual leadership, media, education, technology and global cooperation in the Muslim world.