A Pattern of Inter-Religious Reconciliation by Buddhist Peaceful Means: A Analytical Case Study of Anti-Buddhist Violence in Ramu 2012, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

This research consists of three main objectives: 1) To analyze the context, cause, and impact of anti-Buddhist violence in Ramu 2012, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. 2) To synthesize the Buddhist Peaceful Means for inter-religious reconciliation of Buddhist and Muslim communities, Ramu, Cox’s Bazar, and 3) To present the pattern of the inter-religious reconciliation by Buddhist Peaceful Means on anti-Buddhist violence in Ramu 2012, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The Methodology of this research applied qualitative collecting data, comprised of documentary and in-depth interviewing of fourteen key informants, purposefully selected from the main actors from this field. This research was conducted over the 18th month, collecting primary and secondary data and synthesizing the data for the presented pattern of inter-religious reconciliation in anti-Buddhist violence in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. 

The Finding from the research was as follows:

Historically Buddhism in Bangladesh was one of the early religions and flourished in Vanga or Bengal from King Asoka to the present day of Bangladesh. King Asoka (Ashoka) and the Pala dynasty’s Palas were given a good democracy, architecture, education, arts, culture, and excellent inter-faith relations in Bengal with Buddhists and other religions. Religious and cultural diversity was one of the glorious places between Buddhists and Muslims in Bengal. For many internal and external reasons Buddhism gradually declined from the Bengal.

The pattern of interreligious reconciliation, according to Buddhist Peaceful Means is the process that focuses on the Buddhistic point of view and relevant teachings of Buddha. The Buddhist Peaceful way may benefit not only from a Buddhist standpoint but also the standpoint of other religions because it manages both inner and outer conflicts, which are self and social conflicts. Buddhist Peaceful Means to solve conflicts, settle social disputes and build social relations, trust, and friendship between Buddhists and the Muslims Community.

Concluded that reconciliation is a symbol and a path to peace for Buddhists and Muslims to live in a harmonious society in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. To build inter-religious reconciliation needs to practice Buddhist Peaceful Means of four Noble Truths, non-violence, Noble Eightfold Path, tolerance, forgiveness, and four sublime attitudes (brahmavihārā). The Buddhist and Muslim communities can process restoring amicable between opponents and neighborhoods through reconciled social engagement activities, inter-religious dialogue, and practical action activities.