President urges peace, unity on Buddha Purnima

President Mohammed Shahabuddin today (1 May) called for
strengthening communal harmony, national unity and global peace as he greeted
Buddhists in Bangladesh and around the world on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.
He made the remarks while
exchanging greetings with members of the Buddhist community on the occasion of
the festival.
In his message marking the
religious occasion, the president said the teachings of Gautama Buddha on
peace, non-violence, equality and compassion remain highly relevant at a time
when wars, conflicts and hatred are destabilising different parts of the world.
He said Bangladesh has long been a land of religious
harmony and rich Buddhist heritage, recalling the contributions of renowned
scholar Atish Dipankar to the spread and revival of Buddhism, as well as the
influence of Buddhist culture on the region's knowledge and civilisation.
The president urged the Buddhist
community to continue playing a meaningful role in promoting peace and harmony
and spreading Buddha's ideals to help build a prosperous, inclusive and
peaceful Bangladesh.
He also stressed the importance of
patience, restraint and solidarity in overcoming current global and national
challenges, saying unity among people of all faiths and communities must remain
intact at any cost.
Referring to the country's
political history, he said former president Ziaur Rahman united people of
different faiths and ethnic identities under the shared identity of
"Bangladeshi," while former prime minister Khaleda Zia preserved that
spirit.
Shahabuddin said the government is committed to ensuring equal rights for all
citizens under the principle that religion belongs to individuals while the
state belongs to all.
The president wished peace,
happiness and prosperity for all on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.
















