Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan called for a universal philosophy grounded in humanity, tolerance and mutual respect to help establish world peace. He made the remarks on Saturday as chief guest at the Bangladesh Philosophical Society’s second international conference at the Teachers-Students Centre of the University of Dhaka. State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam attended as an honoured guest.

Swapan said philosophy is a major basis of the fundamental difference between humans and other animals, arguing that humanity and civilisation cannot fully develop without a clear philosophy. He said philosophy emerged when people found space beyond their basic struggle for survival to ask where they came from and where they would go. Religions later became major fields of philosophical inquiry, he added.

The minister said every religion carries teachings of human welfare, while differing interpretations and schools of thought have produced philosophical diversity. He cited the existence of multiple philosophies in Sanatan religion and varied thought and interpretations in Islam. Swapan said approaches to problems substantially shape their solutions, and urged thoughtful people to build a common philosophical platform to address the global peace crisis.