Dhaka: President Mohammed Shahabuddin will host a reception for leaders of the Buddhist community at the Credential Hall of Bangabhaban tomorrow on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. Buddha Purnima marks the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who later became Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the reception will begin at 4:00 pm, and the President will deliver a speech addressing the Buddhist community across the country through the media. The President’s Press Secretary, Md Sarwar Alam, confirmed this information earlier in the afternoon.
The President and his wife, Dr. Rebeka Sultana, will exchange greetings with Buddhist leaders during this significant religious festival in Bangladesh. Buddhists in Dhaka and across the country will celebrate the day with due reverence and festivity.
Religious leaders from the Buddhist community will present a bouquet to the President at Bangabhaban. Several hundred people, including invited guests, distinguished personalities, and professionals, are expected to attend the reception, as per the programme schedule of the Bangabhaban.
Among the expected attendees are Religious Affairs Adviser Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Dipen Dewan, Sanghanayak Srimat Banasree Mahathera, International Buddhist Monastery’s chief priest Dharmapriyo Mahathera, Bouddha Dharmia Kallyan Trust Vice Chairman Bhabesh Chandra, its Secretary Joydatta Barua, other Buddhist leaders, and Bangabhaban secretaries.
Ambassadors, high commissioners, and heads of foreign missions from Buddhist-majority countries will also exchange greetings with the President on this occasion.