President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Friday called for strengthening communal harmony, national unity and global peace as he extended greetings to Buddhists in Bangladesh and across the world on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.
In his message marking the religious festival, the president said the teachings of Gautama Buddha on peace, non-violence, equality and compassion remain highly relevant at a time when wars, conflicts and hatred are destabilising different parts of the world.
He noted that Bangladesh has long upheld a tradition of religious harmony and rich Buddhist heritage, recalling the contributions of renowned scholar Atish Dipankar in the spread and revival of Buddhism and its influence on regional civilisation and knowledge.
The president urged members of the Buddhist community to continue promoting peace, harmony and Buddha’s ideals to help build a prosperous, inclusive and peaceful Bangladesh.
He also stressed the importance of patience, restraint and solidarity in addressing national and global challenges, saying unity among people of all faiths and communities must be preserved at any cost.
Referring to the country’s political history, Shahabuddin said late president Ziaur Rahman brought together people of different faiths and ethnic identities under the shared national identity of “Bangladeshi,” while former prime minister Khaleda Zia preserved that spirit.
He said the government remains committed to ensuring equal rights for all citizens, upholding the principle that religion is a personal matter while the state belongs to everyone.
The president also conveyed greetings of peace, happiness and prosperity to all on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.
The views-exchange meeting was held at the Credential Hall of Bangabhaban, attended by the President’s wife Dr Rebeka Sultana, Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Bijan Kanti Sarkar, diplomats from various countries, Buddhist community leaders, and officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the President’s Office.
