Dhaka: Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today stated that Bangladesh experiences no religious division, with people of various faiths practicing their religious festivals and rituals peacefully. He reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to fostering religious harmony throughout the country. “There is no religious division in our Bangladesh. Everyone is practicing their respective religions peacefully and in coexistence,” he remarked during his address as the chief guest at the Kathin Chibar Dan Utsab of the Bouddha Community at Bodhinana Meditation Centre, Ashulia, Dhaka.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Home Adviser criticized a group of intellectuals who attempt to misrepresent the situation. He emphasized the interim government’s dedication to preserving communal harmony and noted that it has implemented measures to ensure the peaceful celebration of the month-long Katri Chibar Dan Utsab in Buddhist monasteries nationwide.
The Home Adviser also highlighted the importance of establishing a global standard university in Bangladesh named after Buddhist scholar Atish Dipankar. He underscored the significance of Dipankar’s contributions to Buddhism and philosophy, noting that he is a respected figure both in East Asia and worldwide. The Tibetans honored him with the title Atish, meaning ‘peace.’
Atish Dipankar was described by the Home Adviser as a religious leader, teacher, scholar, writer, philosopher, and orator. He expressed pride in Dipankar’s achievements and international recognition, advocating for the wider dissemination of his knowledge and teachings across Bangladesh. The Home Adviser stressed that the fundamental principles of Buddhism aim to establish peace through non-violence, equality, friendship, and love, with followers of Buddha actively working towards this goal.
Notable attendees at the event included Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody, businessman Dayal Kumar Barua, Bangladesh Supreme Court Advocate Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua, businessman Subhasish Chakma, and Colonel Didarul Alam, among others.