Diplomatic Desk:
A diplomatic reception was held in the capital on Wednesday (6 May 2026) to mark the National Day of the Holy See-Vatican Embassy and the election of Pope Leo XIV to the pontificate, organized by Archbishop Kevin S. Randall, Vatican Ambassador and Apostolic Nuncio to Bangladesh.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan was present as the chief guest at the event. Ambassadors, diplomats, government officials, businessmen and dignitaries from various countries also participated in the event.
In his speech as the chief guest, the minister said that the papal election is not only a spiritual milestone, but also carries global significance. It is a continuation of sacred tradition, a reflection of the Holy See’s moral leadership and a new commitment to peace, humanitarian service and human dignity.
He said, “The relationship between Bangladesh and the Holy See is founded on the common values of peace, mutual respect and human compassion. This partnership advances our common goals of religious harmony, interfaith dialogue and human welfare.”
The Minister further said that Catholic educational institutions, hospitals and social organizations in Bangladesh have long been making important contributions to serving the remote and underprivileged communities of the country. The government deeply acknowledges this contribution.
He recalled the week-long conference on interfaith tolerance and fraternity organized by the Apostolic Mission in Dhaka last September. He expressed the hope that such initiatives will strengthen constructive dialogue, social justice and human values among different religions in the future as well.
The Information Minister said that the current government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is committed to building an inclusive, humane and harmonious society in light of the “Bangladesh First” philosophy. He said that the government is moving forward on the basis of the principle of “religion belongs to the individual, and the state belongs to all.”
Referring to the BNP election manifesto, he said that every religious person will enjoy the full right to practice their religion. He also quoted the Prime Minister’s statement during an exchange of views with religious leaders on the occasion of Buddha Purnima – “We Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians together liberated this country at the cost of millions of lives. Therefore, this independent Bangladesh belongs to you, me, and all of us.”
He also mentioned the appointment of a special assistant to the Prime Minister to oversee the affairs of minorities and ethnic communities. He also said that emphasis is being placed on interfaith harmony, moral values and celebration of diversity in the national communication policy and media activities of the Ministry of Information.
Stressing the need for collective efforts to address challenges such as current economic uncertainty, climate change, inequality and geopolitical tensions in the world, the minister said that Bangladesh is committed to working with all partners, including the Holy See, to protect peace, stability and human dignity.
On the other hand, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Kevin S. Randall said, “War divides, hope unites; pride tramples, love elevates people”—Pope Leo’s call is very significant in today’s world.
He said, Vatican embassies do not work for military or economic interests; rather, they play a role in protecting peace, truth, justice, and human dignity. Even in the midst of war or diplomatic disputes, the Vatican maintains a neutral position and seeks ways to dialogue and peace.
Archbishop Kevin S. Randall said, the Catholic Church is the second largest humanitarian aid organization in the world. They are working quietly for human welfare through various charitable organizations.
He gave an emotional example, saying that an Arab Muslim king secretly donated to Pope Francis out of respect for interfaith harmony. Later, the money was spent in Bangladesh through Caritas to help Rohingya refugees. He said, “A Muslim king donated in the name of Allah, a Christian Pope sent that money to help the Muslim Rohingyas—this is a unique example of religious coexistence.”
Highlighting the various social contributions of the Catholic community in Bangladesh, he said that the Catholic Church is running five hospitals, 80 medical clinics, 12 maternity care centers and four nursing schools for the nearly 400,000 Christian population in the country. In addition, there is a university, a teacher training college, 22 colleges and higher secondary schools, 91 schools and junior high schools, 215 primary schools and 413 kindergartens.
He said, “In Bangladesh, we are educating more Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist students than Christians. Our goal is to work for the welfare of humanity without discrimination of religion, caste or ideology.”
Congratulating the Holy See on the recent elections in Bangladesh, he said, “Fearless, free and fair elections are a glorious chapter for the country. They have helped establish peace and stability, and now we look forward to Bangladesh’s economic prosperity.”
He added that democracy is healthy only when it is based on morality, human values and the rule of law. Otherwise, it risks becoming a mask for the dominance of the majority or for economic and technological power.
The speakers at the event expressed hope that the friendly relations between Bangladesh and the Holy See will deepen in the future.
