Emergency Online Meeting with Religions for Peace Bangladesh Leaders

On August 30, Rev. Dr. Yoshinori Shinohara, Secretary-General of Religions for Peace Aisa (ACRP), his secretariat, and RfP Bangladesh held an emergency online meeting in response to the news that over 1,000 students had been killed in student protests and riots. We discussed the situation they are facing on the ground and what we can do now. 

In this meeting, four leaders from RfP Bangladesh participated. It was an significant opportunity for both the ACRP Secretariat and RfP Bangladesh to express their solidarity in acting for peace. 

In the past, RfP Bangladesh has been an important chapter which has been actively involved in ACRP’s flagship projects, such as protection of children’s rights. We are deeply saddened that their country is now suffering from violence and riots. 

According to their report, the citizens are shocked and traumatized by the riots, which no one expected, and by the fear they have never experienced before. Minority communities are being targeted, and they are saddened by the prevalence of assaults on minorities and hate speech. 

There is also currently flooding in some areas of Bangladesh, which cause logistics disruption.

By nature, people should not be violated or discriminated against.

We hope that the day of peace will return as soon as possible.
It is importatnt that we will not let this issue fade away and will continue to work with them and communicate with them continuously.


Finally, we would like to offer our sincere condolences to all who have died and got injured by the riots.