Mohammad Sohel:
A colorful cross-cultural program was held in Hnila, Teknaf, with the aim of further strengthening mutual harmony, coexistence and social bonds between the Rohingya and the local host community in Teknaf Upazila of Cox’s Bazar district. The program featured various traditional types of pitha exhibitions from Bangladesh and Myanmar, cultural performances and messages of harmony.
The program was organized on Wednesday (July 1, 2026) at 1:45 pm at the premises of Hnila Burmese Government Primary School in Chowdhurypara, Hnila Union, Teknaf Upazila.
Members of the Rohingya Youth Peacebuilders and Host Community Youth Peacebuilders teams jointly participated in this program, which was organized with the funding of the European Union (EU), in collaboration with ActionAid Bangladesh and implemented by the local development organization SHED. The entire program was conducted by SED representative Asif Mahmud.
One of the attractions of the program was the Pitha Festival. In this, the Rohingya and local host community youth made and displayed various types of traditional pitha of Bangladesh and Myanmar. Various delicious foods including Chitai Pitha, Bhapa Pitha, Patisapta, Chital Pitha attracted the attention of the visitors. Later, these foods were served among more than two hundred Youth Peacebuilder members.
In addition, a pleasant cultural performance was held at the program combining Bangladeshi and Rohingya cultures. Through songs, cultural performances and mutual participation, a unique atmosphere of harmony, friendship and brotherhood was created between the two communities.
The chief guests and discussants at the program said that it is possible to establish peace and stability in society if people of different languages, cultures and religions live with respect and cooperation towards each other. Such events play an important role in increasing mutual trust and strengthening social harmony.
Rahama Akhtar, reserved female member of Wards 1, 2 and 4 of Hnila Union Parishad, Shamsuddin, Headmaster of Hnila Burmese Government Primary School, Maulana Shamsul Haque, Arabic lecturer of Hnila Moulvibazar Jameria Alim Madrasa, Mong Ting Aung Rakhine and other guests spoke.
The speakers said that the communal harmony of Bangladesh is an exemplary example for the world. Here, all people, regardless of religion, caste and tribe, live together and participate in each other’s religious and social festivals. This culture of harmony and coexistence must be spread to future generations.
Bibi Jan, Kankan Das, Sohel Rana, Jaya, Halima, Asmat Ullah, Yasin Arafat, Main Uddin Raihan, Pano Rakhine and members of the Rohingya and Host Community Youth Peacebuilder Team were also present at the event.
The members of the Rohingya Youth Peacebuilder Team expressed their deep satisfaction with the sincerity, humanitarian cooperation and hospitality of the people of Bangladesh in their speeches. They expressed their gratitude to the government of Bangladesh and the local people and said that such a harmonious arrangement will further strengthen mutual trust and friendship between the two communities and will play an important role in ensuring peaceful coexistence.
According to the organizers, such social and cultural activities will continue in the future as well, so that mutual understanding, respect and peaceful coexistence between the Rohingya and the local people are further strengthened.
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