Dhaka: President Mohammed Shahabuddin has extended his heartfelt greetings and felicitations to the Buddhist community at home and abroad on the occasion of the Buddha Purnima, marking the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. ‘On the occasion of the holy Buddha Purnima, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the great Gautama Buddha, I extend my heartfelt greetings and felicitations to the Buddhist community both at home and abroad,’ he said in a message.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Head of State emphasized that Gautama Buddha, throughout his life, preached the ideals of non-violence, equality, friendship, and compassion for the welfare of mankind, with the ultimate aim of establishing an ideal society based on peace and harmony. He noted that the Five Precepts of Buddha provide important guidelines for the spiritual, family, and social development of individuals.
President Shahabuddin also highlighted Buddha’s tireless efforts to establish a peaceful and harmonious world, quoting the saying, ‘Non-violence is the supreme religion,’ as a principle that remains equally relevant today. In addressing the current global context, he stated that Buddha’s philosophy can play a vital role in preventing wars and conflicts rooted in religion, caste, and ethnicity, and in promoting global peace.
The President further mentioned that the Bangladesh government, enriched by its thousand-year-old cultural heritage, is working tirelessly to build a non-discriminatory society, while the Buddhist community has been making significant contributions to the country’s socio-economic development. He expressed hope that the Buddhist community in Bangladesh would further enrich itself with knowledge, talent, and skills by embracing the ideals of Gautama Buddha.
Concluding his message, President Shahabuddin expressed his wish for happiness, peace, and well-being to all people of the country and the world on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, with optimism that collective efforts will lead to the building of an inclusive, happy, prosperous, and humane Bangladesh.