President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Friday 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 said while exchanging greetings with the Buddhist community on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.

In his message marking the religious festival, 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.

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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 and 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, the President said late 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.

He 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.

The President’s wife Dr Rebeka Sultana, Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Dipen Dewan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Ethnic Affairs Bijan Kanti Sarkar, ambassadors of various countries, senior leaders of the Buddhist community, as well as officials of the Ministry of Religion and the President's Office were present at the views-exchange-meeting at the Credential Hall of Bangabhaban.