Eminent Iranian scholar Seyed Javad Mazloumi said reflection of own culture in books, films and anything that convey the message will represent a different and positive Bangladesh.

The Iranian scholar, who came to Bangladesh to give keynote speech at a discussion titled ‘Present Crises of Muslim Ummah and Islamic Unity’ held in the city on Friday last, took time out to give an interview to UNB. Iran Cultural Centre, Dhaka organised the programme on the occasion of Eid-E Miladunanbi.

He told UNB “I feel at home in Bangladesh because I have many friends here. Most important thing is to me is Bangladesh and Iran having many things in common including some religious and cultural heritages. So every time I come to Bangladesh I feel happy. I think it will be continued in the future.”

Talking about bilateral relationship, the Faculty member of Jmeat al-Zahra University and Quranic Sciences University, Seyed told UNB “We are talking about the long history of relationship between two nations who had many things in common such as language, history and religion.”

He stressed on building strong relationship between the two countries and get best out of it.

The cultural activist of the Iran, who also serves as the deputy for cultural affairs at the office of Iranian supreme leader, spoke about film industry.

“Many countries are following the others in the film industry. We talk about the movies – you can’t just follow other countries in making movies. Movie is a form of art. When artists, directors try to put the artistic aspects in their movies according to their culture, it will be very attractive and accepted by the society. Bangladesh has long history and own heritage.”

He said that that they had the new generation of directors, actors who try to get it from their own culture according to their own descending and their point of view. Not to confine in limited areas for topic selection such as just action or romance, rather they present their thoughts in different ways and try to introduce different themes that has helped Iran gain popularity in films.

Focusing on the unity of the Muslim world, he said “We have many differences in Muslim world in language, colour, and culture. It does not mean we are divided into many groups. Any enemies who want to get the benefit from this and try to split us in different groups will be thwarted. It is very interesting that Europe try to make a union and come closer to each others in many aspects such establishing visa-free movements, same currencies. This is the plan we should learn and try to be united.”

Mentioning the relationship with Bangladesh, he said “We should offer each other the experience in different areas as the Muslims have the long history of the corporation. We can have regular exchanges of scholars between the two countries.”

Seyed stressed on the need for translating Bangladeshi books in Persian so that key figures in Bangladeshi literature are introduced to Iranian readers.

Calling the Rohingya issue as problem of all human being, the scholar told UNB “We consider Rohingya crises as a problem of all human being.  It is not important to consider they are from which country rather most important thing is now they are the ones who are suffering, and rendered homeless. They are living in bad and miserable condition.”

He is now working as a member of the board of trustees of the Iranian Supreme Hajj Committee too. He published a book ‘Hajj – A to Z’ in 2005 while he developed some Islamic software. / UNB /