In observance of Buddha Purnima 2025, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) organised simultaneous cultural festivals in Dhaka and six other districts - Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, and Khagrachhari - on Saturday, May 10.

The central celebration was held at the Nandan Mancha of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka at 7 pm. 

Speaking as chief guest, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, said, “If you’ve observed our activities over the past few months, you’ll see we are trying to show that a country can have various ethnic groups and people of different religions, but together we all make up Bangladesh."

"This country is incomplete without any of us, and we want to ensure everyone is included. You saw this during the Bengali New Year celebrations where ethnic communities like Chakma, Marma, Garo, and Rakhine also participated; we even organised a Chand Raat program for the first time in 54 years," he said.

"This Buddha Purnima celebration is another step, and going forward, we’ll continue to include people of all faiths so that everyone feels this country belongs to them," the Cultural Adviser added.

Other speakers in Dhaka included Professor Dr Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Adviser to the Ministry of Education; Dr Sukomal Barua, President of the World Buddhist Federation, Bangladesh; and senior monks including Bhikkhu Meditator S Shasanabangsha Mahathero and Bhikkhu Gyanabangsha Mahathero. The event began with a welcome address by BSA Secretary and Acting Director General Mohammad Wares Hossain.

The Dhaka program featured humanist songs by artists of Dharmarajik Lalitkala Academy and group dances by Buddhist performers, followed by musical performances by Shayan and the band Different Touch. A promotional video highlighting the Buddhist community was also screened.

In Chattogram, the event at CRB Shirishtola was attended by Divisional Commissioner Dr Md Ziauddin and presided over by DC Farida Khanam. It featured performances by Buddhist artists, Matrical Band, and popular singer Asif Akbar.

In Cox’s Bazar, Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid was chief guest, with DC Mohammad Salahuddin presiding. The event featured songs by Parvez and Mila.

Bandarban’s festival at Rajar Math welcomed Hill District Council Chairman Prof Thanzama Lusai and performances by local bands and artist Nolok Babu.

In Rangamati, Hill District Council Chairman Kajol Talukder attended, with music by Jiku Marma and Beauty. In Khagrachhari, Chairman Jiruna Tripura was present, with acts by Arannya Band, Rupsha, and Rajib.

All events aimed to promote harmony and inclusivity through cultural expression.