Dhaka //

Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to the Interim Government, said that the International Buddhist Vihara is one of the symbols of communal harmony in Bangladesh. Since its establishment, it has been playing an important role in matters related to the national interests of Bangladesh, including Buddhists.

He said these things at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the International Buddhist Vihara’s ‘Sampriti Bhaban’ in Merul Badda, Dhaka on Sunday morning.

The Chief Advisor said, on the eve of the Bengali New Year, we laid the foundation stone of the Sampriti Bhaban at the Dhaka International Buddhist Vihara today. My gratitude and thanks to the officials of the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation and the International Buddhist Vihara for inviting me to such a beautiful and peaceful event. At the same time, advance greetings on the Bengali New Year to everyone. Happy New Year.

He said, the Buddhist monasteries here emerged as important educational institutions in this region since ancient times. These are a sign 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 man Buddha to the world. 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.

Stating that the great man Gautama Buddha preached the message of harmony and equality for the benefit of world humanity, Professor Muhammad Yunus said, Buddhism seeks the well-being of all living beings. The great man Buddha said, ‘We cannot deprive anyone of peace and happiness; even the smallest living being.’ Atish Dipankar, a Buddhist scholar of this country, is a great scholar of world renown. He carried the message of the great man Buddha to Tibet, China. He is still respected with the highest respect in China. The monuments, structures, traditions and scholars of Buddhism are very important in the history of human civilization.

‌‍‘I have always said that despite our different beliefs, religions and customs, we are all members of one family. Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, various communities and peoples of the hills and plains of this country—all together, the people of this country have diverse languages, cultures and traditions. Tomorrow, Poyala Baishakh, is one of the symbols of our harmony. Everyone will celebrate tomorrow in their own way, according to their own customs. Everyone will participate in this universal festival.’

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