President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday urged the countrymen to think of doing something good for all.

" Do not think of doing something good for only yourself and your family. You should try to think of doing something good for all," he said.

He made the remarks while addressing the 'Buddha Purnima' reception for the Buddhist leaders at the credential hall of the Presidential House on the occasion of the 'Happy Buddha Purnima', the greatest religious festival of the Buddhist community.

He also called upon the Buddhist people to work for the welfare of the country and its people. "Show the light to the people and work for welfare of the country and its people," he added.

He also added that all religions of the world always talk about the welfare of people and every religion has good things.

Calling Goutam Buddha as a symbol of humanity and liberty, he advised all Buddhist community people to accept the best thing from the religion.

"You are part of one of the largest religious communities in the world. . . You have a lot of responsibilities and duties to establish peace and harmony in this region as well as in the world," he told the Buddhist leaders.

"Let us be inspired to live an honest and beautiful life, refrain from all kinds of dishonest activities and build ourselves as country's worthy citizens through good deeds," the President said.

Noting that the religion is for the welfare of the mankind and religion is for the people, he hoped the leaders of the Buddhist community must reflect the teachings of Mahamati Buddha in their own lives and encourage others to do so as well.

Congratulating the Buddhists in Bangladesh and elsewhere across the world, the President said, " The soil of Bangladesh and people are mingled with ancient Buddhist monasteries, including many 1000-year-old Bouddha Bihars (Buddhist temples)."

He also put emphasis on inspiring everyone to lead an honest and beautiful life, to do good deeds and be worthy citizens of the country.

On the occasion, the President and his wife Dr. Rebecca Sultana exchanged greetings with the representatives of the Buddhist community for about an hour from 4:00 pm while the Buddhist religious leaders also greeted President Shahabuddin, also a valiant freedom Fighter, by presenting a bouquet.

State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan, Sangraj (the highest religious leader of the Buddhist Community) Dr Gyanashree Mahathero and the President's Office Secretaries were present.