Rangamati: Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma today emphasized that the government maintains equal respect for all religions and communities, consistently supporting the smooth and peaceful celebration of all religious festivals.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Adviser Supradip Chakma addressed a religious gathering at the Monghor Rangapani Milan Vihar premises in Rangamati town, highlighting that the festival is not only a religious event but also a bridge of harmony between the hills and the plains. The festival carries a profound message of peace, harmony, and democracy.
Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain had the honor of inaugurating the event. Supradip Chakma, referring to the upcoming national election, stressed the importance of a free and fair electoral process as a cornerstone of democracy. He called upon citizens to cooperate responsibly to ensure a peaceful and congenial atmosphere for the elections.
The event commenced with the Akas Deep Dan, an offering of lighted balloons in the sky, followed by the lighting of lamps, Panchashila prayers, and the recitation of Metta Sutta for the welfare of the nation and its citizens. Supradip Chakma expressed his hope that the National Kathin Chibor Daan Utsab (Kathina Robe Offering Festival) would further reinforce the message of peaceful coexistence in the hills, emphasizing the importance of preserving communal harmony.
Dr. Khalid Hossain also announced significant government support for the Buddhist community, including the construction of a cremation ground in Uttara, Dhaka, the allocation of 21 kathas of land in Purbachal for an international-standard Buddhist Monastery and Welfare Trust complex, and a grant of Tk two crore for religious activities.
The festival saw participation from more than 300 Buddhist monks from across the country, including delegations from Cox's Bazar, Teknaf, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Dhaka, Cumilla, Barguna, Patuakhali, Chattogram, and 16 monastic communities from the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Prominent attendees included Supradip Chakma's wife Nandita Chakma, Rangamati Zila Parishad Chairman Kajol Talukdar, Trustee of the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust Professor Dr. Sukomal Barua, Vice Chairman Bhavesh Chakma, BNP's Central Assistant Religious Affairs Secretary Advocate Dipen Dewan, and other notable figures. Throughout the day-long event, Buddhist monks delivered religious sermons, and devotees from across the country, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts, participated in this historic celebration.