Pahela Baishakh symbol of harmony in Bangladesh: Yunus

Extending greetings to all on occasions of Pahela Baishakh, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said they are members of one family upholding harmony as the country is set to celebrate Pahela Boishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year, on Monday.

"Tomorrow (Monday), the first day of Baishakh, is one of the symbols of this harmony. Everyone will celebrate in their own way in line with their own customs and participate in this festival," he said while laying the foundation stone of "Sampriti Bhaban" at the Dhaka International Buddhist Monastery.

Dr Yunus said that despite differences in beliefs, religions and customs, the Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and the various communities living across the mountains and plains of this country are all part of one family, united by a rich diversity of language, culture and tradition.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain; Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma; Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman; Religious Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik; Bangladesh Buddhist Federation Advisory Council Acting Chairman Prof Dr Sukomal Barua and International Buddhist Monastery Deputy Chief Ven Bhikkhu Sunandapriya also spoke at the event.

Bangladesh Buddhist Federation hosted the programme with Venerable Dharmapriya Mahathera, the Deputy Chief Patriarch of Bangladesh Buddhist Sangha Council, in the chair.

The Chief Adviser said the International Buddhist Monastery is one of the symbols of communal harmony in Bangladesh.

Since its establishment, he said, it has been playing an important role in issues related to the national interests of Bangladesh, including Buddhists.

With respect to Gautam Buddha's message of non-violence and equality, Dr Yunus said this Buddhist Monastery has been carrying out various public welfare programmes including preserving the religious, social and cultural heritage of the Buddhist community in Bangladesh and providing technical education.

"It is my hope that the 'Sampriti Bhaban' of the International Buddhist Monastery will play a glorious role nationally and internationally by embodying the tradition of harmony and humanity of Bangladesh.

"May our harmony and human values prevail, may peace prevail in the world - I conclude my speech with this wish. My greetings and advance wishes for the New Year to everyone," Dr Yunus said.

The Chief Adviser expressed gratitude and thanked the officials of the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation and at the Monastery for inviting him to such a "beautiful and peaceful" event.

Since ancient times, Dr Yunus said the Buddhist monasteries here have emerged as important educational institutions in this region.

"They are a reflection of our tradition and civilization. Monks and students from far and wide used to come to these monasteries. They used to spread the message of peace and harmony of the great Buddha to the world," he said, adding that the Buddhist monasteries of this country were not only the center of religious rituals and education, but also of public welfare programs in the society.

The great Gautama Buddha preached the message of harmony and equality for the welfare of humanity, said the Chief Adviser.

"Buddhism seeks the well-being of all living beings. The great Buddha said, we cannot deprive anyone of peace and happiness; even the smallest living beings," he said.

The Buddhist scholar of this country, Atish Dipankar, is a world-renowned scholar, Dr Yunus said, adding that the teachings, institutions, traditions and scholars of Buddhism are very important in the history of human civilization.

Source: UNB