As part of an initiative to promote interfaith understanding, mutual respect, and greater knowledge of different religious traditions, a group of students from the Asian University for Women (AUW) visited the Immaculate Conception Church, Jamal Khan, Chattogram, on 17 July 2026. The visit was led by Professor Jesmine Sigha, head of the Department of Comparative Religions.
Upon their arrival, the students were warmly welcomed and introduced to the parish community. Following a brief orientation, they were guided on a tour of the church. For many of the students, it was their first visit to a Catholic church, making the experience both exciting and enriching.
During the visit, the students were introduced to the history of the church and the significance of a Catholic place of worship. They also learned about the sacred nature of the church, prayer and liturgical worship, the sacraments, the Holy Bible, the Tabernacle, the Way of the Cross, and other essential aspects of Catholic faith and worship.
A brief Interfaith Dialogue session was later held in one of the classrooms of St. Mary’s School, Jamal Khan. Most of the participants were Muslim students who enthusiastically engaged in the discussion, asking thoughtful questions about the Catholic Church, religious life, the priesthood, and various aspects of the Christian faith. The interactive session provided an excellent opportunity for the students to gain new knowledge while fostering mutual understanding and respect among people of different faiths.
At the conclusion of the programme, the students expressed their sincere gratitude to the organizers for the warm hospitality and informative discussions. They also shared their desire to visit the church again to deepen their understanding of Christianity and interfaith relations. The participants acknowledged that initiatives of this nature play a vital role in promoting peace, harmony, mutual respect, and social cohesion in Bangladesh.
