Dhaka:A seminar focused on Bangladesh's rich Buddhist heritage and its historical, cultural, and socio-economic connections with other Asian countries was held today at the Bangla Academy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event, titled "Buddhist Heritage of Bangladesh and Cross-Cultural Exchanges in Asia," was organized by the Bangladesh Buddhist Heritage Research Trust at the Kabi Shamsur Rahman Seminar Room. The seminar featured Professor Emeritus Shimosawa Takasi of Shizuoka University of Art and Culture in Japan as the chief guest, with Ven. Sunanda Bhikkhu, a trustee of the trust, delivering the welcome address.
Prof. Dr. Shahnaj Husne Jahan from the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh presented the keynote paper, highlighting Bangladesh as the last stronghold of Buddhism in South Asia until the 12th century and an important center of Vajrayana Buddhism. She noted that Buddhists now represent about 0.7 percent of the country's population, mainly following the Theravada tradition, and residing in areas like Dhaka, Chattogram, and Bandarban.
Professor Dr. Biman Chandra Barua from the University of Dhaka participated as a discussant, emphasizing the importance of preserving Bangladesh's Buddhist heritage. The seminar was chaired by Sabuj Barua, the founding chairman of the Bangladesh Buddhist Heritage Research Trust, with concluding remarks by Debashish Barua, the trust's treasurer. Naomi Barua and Ally Marma moderated the program, which was attended by members of the Buddhist monastic community, scholars, and students.