Buddha Purnima: President, PM greet people

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday greeted the countrymen and the Buddhist community on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, the biggest religious festival of the Buddhists.

 

In separate messages on the eve of the day, they wished peace, happiness and prosperity for all and success of the programmes marking the Buddha Purnima, reports BSS.

 

In his message, President Abdul Hamid recalled the contribution of Gautam Buddha, the proponent of Buddhism, and said he propagated the message of equality and friendship to build a harmonious and peaceful world.

 

His ideals can play an important role in establishing peace in society in the current turbulent and intolerant world, the President added.

 

He said the history, heritage and civilization and culture of the Buddhists are profoundly integrated with the soil and the people of this country. 

 

"Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony," the President said and hoped that the Buddhist community in the country would play a proper role for the country's development upholding the ideals of Buddha.

 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said Gautam Buddha preached throughout his life the message of nonviolence, friendship and compassion for peace and welfare of mankind.

 

His only objective was to build an ideal society of peace and amity, she added.

 

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony where all citizens can practise their respective religions freely. 

 

The Buddhist community has been contributing to the socio-economic development of the country for ages, she added. 

 

She hoped that the Buddhist community of the country would be inspired further by the ideals of Goutam Buddha to acquire knowledge and skills.

 

The Prime Minister further hoped that the nation would be able to establish Bangladesh as a humane, peaceful and prosperous country in the global arena by fostering Buddha's message of nonviolence, equality and friendship.