Dhaka: Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain today warned that the government would resist with an iron hand all plots of destroying the country’s communal harmony. “If perpetrators want to destroy the country’s communal harmony, the state will handle them with an iron hand,” he told a Sampriti assembly here. Bangladesh Buddhist Federation arranged the function at International Buddhist Monastery in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, speaking as a special guest, Khalid emphasized that Bangladesh is a nation rich in cultural and religious diversity, where the people have historically maintained communal harmony. He highlighted the interim government’s commitment to promoting this harmony, citing plans to construct a building costing Taka 68 crore in Lumbini, Nepal, a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site believed to be the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. The anticipated construction aims to provide accommodation for Bangladeshi Buddhist pilgrims visiting Lumbini.
Khalid also mentioned his upcoming participation in Buddhist events in Cox’s Bazar and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Additionally, he announced that the government has allocated 23 katha of land in Uttara for the cremation needs of the Buddhist community.
The assembly was also addressed by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, who was the chief guest. Other notable speakers included Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Professor Dr. Sukomal Barua, Acting Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation, and Ven. Bhikkhu Sunandapriya, Deputy Chief of the International Buddhist Monastery. The event was chaired by Venerable Dharmapriya Mahathera, Deputy Chief Patriarch of the Bangladesh Buddhist Sangha Council.
The assembly was attended by chiefs of the Bangladesh Navy and Air Force, as well as diplomats and other distinguished guests.