http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/34 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:03:45 GMT 2026-04-07T09:03:45Z http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4733 Rohingya Crisis: Religious Persecution or Ethnic Cleansing Sadhu, Partha Prathim This doctoral dissertation explores the multifaceted dimensions of the crisis, aiming to find out whether the atrocities committed against the predominately Muslims ethnic minority Rohingya community in Myanmar (former Burma) constitute religious persecution or ethnic cleansing. The issue of Rohingya crisis emerged as a major humanitarian disaster to international prominence since 25 August 2017, when organized violence forced over 723,000 Rohingya to cross the border to save their lives and seek shelter in Bangladesh. While other research has examined the different social-economic, psychological, health, food security, humanitarian crisis, repatriation, and other aspects of the Rohingya crisis, this study aims to give a holistic analysis of whether it has been religious persecution or ethnic cleansing. The secondary aim consists of identifying the root causes behind this ethnoreligious conflict and reflecting on whether this crisis represents religious persecution and if it can be referred to as ethnic cleansing. Particular attention is paid to exploring why the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) has used a 'total exclusionary' strategy and considering how religious identity is intertwined with sectarian violence. The central research questions of the study are: (a) How does the issue of religious persecution or ethnic cleansing lead to the Rohingya crisis? (b) Why do Myanmar's military governments consider the Rohingya illegal immigrants, rendering them stateless through total exclusionary theory? However, the associated sub-questions were ((a) What led to the ethnic and religious tensions between the Rohingya in Myanmar? (b) What are the historical and socio-political factors involved? (c) What policies are applied for social segregation of the Rohingya people? (d) What military and government operations in Myanmar exemplify its VIII policy on the Rohingya as ethnic cleansing? (e) What strategies and motivations did the Myanmar military use in their total exclusion policy? It is important to address these questions because there is a little research available regarding the ethnoreligious dimension of the Rohingya crisis. Lessons from this research can provide guidance for global solutions in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis to ensure that these types of atrocities should not occur again against any other ethnic communities. It can also assist national, international and regional policy-level institutions such as the governments of Bangladesh, Myanmar and India including, ASEAN, EU, SAARC and OIC in advocating the restoration of their citizenship rights, ensuring a safe return to Myanmar, and accountability from those responsible for human rights abuses. Accordingly, this thesis presents the findings based on 65 in depth interviews from Rohingyas using semi-structured open-ended questioner across three selected camps intend to cover old and new refugee in Cox's Bazar as primary data. Additional data was obtained from 14 experts, mostly scholars including university professors, researchers, and INGO professionals. Secondary sources of information were also incorporated to analyze existing literature and documents. The significant findings of this study show that the gradual change in demography, imbalanced land settlement, and above all, monopolization of opportunity to the new immigrants gave rise to antagonism between local Buddhist Rakhine and Rohingya Muslims when the Colonial British authority adopted migration policy in northern Rakhine after the first Anglo-Burmese War in 1825. The overwhelming socio-economic discrimination, also religious and cultural differences fueled this crisis historically. The IX British divide-and-rule policies further deteriorated these issues by creating ethnic and religious divisions. Violence has also been pushed by religious ideologies and political ambitions, further deepening the crisis. This study found that the intention of establishing an Islamic state in northern Arakan jolted an ethnoreligious mistrust and conflict between the two communities in pre-independent Burma. Accordingly, with the advent of the Burma nation-state and Burman radical nationalism, the discriminatory laws and policies against the Rohingya Muslims unveiled the face of religious persecution that turned into a deliberate act of utmost ethnic cleansing. Moreover, these findings underline the multifaceted nature of this conflict, with a certain combination of historical resentment, economic motives, religious and political manipulation contributing collectively to the long-term instability. The thesis concludes that religious persecution is a part of the Rohingya crisis and, that confirms the ethnic cleansing of this community. Therefore, this study declares the argument that the Rohingya have been persecuted due to their religious beliefs and practices as Muslims including their ethnicity i.e. as non-Burman. The state policy and armed forces supported offenses anti-Rohingya resentment are ethnically and religiously driven. Moreover, this crisis demonstrates the pressing necessity for international action, legal reforms in Myanmar, and processes to ensure justice and protection of the Rohingya community. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4733 2025-11-05T00:00:00Z http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4704 The Environmental Impacts of the Hindu Rituals on the Ganges: A Historical and Critical Analysis Roy, Niloy The Ganges, revered by the Hindus as a deity, is considered to be the most sacred river in the world. Several Hindu rituals are observed centering on this holiest river. These rituals' Growing popularity causes huge gatherings on the river's bank. Devotees from around the world throng in famous river ghats to observe rituals such as holy baths, flower offerings, Ganga aarti, etc. Unfortunately, the Ganges is polluted by its devotees when they excessively observe rituals in an unplanned way. Thus, this research investigates historically and critically how the Hindu religious rituals have impacted the Ganges. The existence of the river is crucial for continuing colorful and diverse Hindu rituals. A clean and pure Ganges is the hope of the devotees for getting blessings from Mother Ganga. A qualitative content analysis approach is applied in this research considering the nature of the study. In addition, data has been collected from existing literature. In data analysis, a structured framework (thematic analysis and comparative analysis) is followed in the entire research. However, through this intensive analysis, it is found that the popularity of rituals centering the river is increasing day by day. There is a correlation between the increase in Hindu religious rituals and the rise in Ganges pollution. Different stakeholders of the Ganges i. e., government, researchers, religious leaders, lay people and political leaders should address these impacts and take steps to reduce pollution caused by these activities. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy. Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4704 2025-07-08T00:00:00Z http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4697 The Role of Interfaith Education in Primary Schools Towards Promoting Children’s Awareness of Harmony: Dhaka City Perspective Islam, Tania Interfaith education has gained increasing attention in recent years as a means to promote harmony and understanding among individuals of different religious backgrounds. This study explores the role of interfaith education in promoting children’s awareness of harmony in primary schools, specifically in the context of Dhaka City. The purpose of this study is to highlight the collected data from primary school teachers and students through interviews and focus group discussions. The findings reveal that interfaith education is an effective tool for promoting children’s awareness of harmony, which is essential for building a peaceful and inclusive society. The study also identifies the key challenges in implementing interfaith education in primary schools and provides recommendations for addressing these challenges. This will contribute to the development of a more harmonious and peaceful society, free from religious intolerance and discrimination. Thus, this study tends to identify the role of common themes, religious teachings, and moral lessons of interfaith education in promoting children’s awareness of harmony in primary schools. Methodologically, the current paper follows discourse analysis as a qualitative and interpretive method of analyzing secondary sources. Thus, it is primarily conducted by taking help from interviews and secondary sources such as books, articles, news, features, websites and journals. The mandatory portion of information will be collected both from primary and secondary sources. The study concludes that interfaith education should be integrated into the vi curriculum of primary schools to promote children’s awareness of harmony and tolerance towards different religious beliefs and practices. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy. Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4697 2025-07-08T00:00:00Z http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/3569 The Role of Interreligious Dialogue in Promoting Communal Harmony: Bangladesh Perspective SUMI, AYESHA AKTER In a diverse society like Bangladesh, achieving peace and harmony is crucial. Besides, tensions that may threaten communal peace also exist. International incidents such as the Rohingya crisis, the effects of the 9/11 attack, and the Israel-Palestine conflicts have influenced Bangladesh as well. Moreover, when politics intertwine with religion and political parties manipulate religious feelings, it worsens tensions. This manipulation leads to misunderstandings and fanaticism, disrupting the peace of the country. The aim of this study is to scrutinise the role of interreligious dialogue in fostering communal harmony within Bangladesh's diverse and multireligious fabric. This study employs a qualitative research approach, utilising primary and secondary sources, including interviews with participants engaged in interfaith activities, document analysis, and library research. The findings highlight that dialogue is pivotal for correcting misconceptions, promoting mutual respect among faith communities, and resolving conflict. It focuses on the essential role of education, media, and organisational efforts in promoting interfaith understanding. The national curriculum, alongside specific programs and activities is designed to foster an environment of mutual respect and tolerance. It systematically integrates themes of pluralism, tolerance, and interfaith understanding across diverse subjects, notably emphasizing these principles in social studies and religious education. Traditional and new media platforms highlight the importance of communal harmony, showcase the richness of the country's religious diversity, and address misconceptions and stereotypes that may lead to tensions. Noteworthy NGOs are actively engaged in promoting harmony through community-based initiatives, advocacy campaigns, research works, training programs and grassroots interventions. This study identifies significant obstacles to dialogue, such as educational disparities, economic constraints, and political instability. It recognises the need for comprehensive educational reforms incorporating teachings of religious tolerance & understanding and encouraging community engagement & empowerment through grassroots activities. Finally, the study concludes that effective interreligious dialogue is deemed integral to overcoming societal divisions and building a cohesive, peaceful community in Bangladesh. Thesis Submitted in Fulfilment for the Degree of Master of Philosophy . Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/3569 2025-02-05T00:00:00Z