President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Wednesday urged the representatives of the Buddhist community to work for the welfare of the country and its people, on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.

“Show people the way to light. Work for the welfare of the country and people. Don't just worry about being good for yourself or your family, think about being good for everyone," the President said.

The president was speaking at a reception ceremony at the credentials Hall of the Bangabhaban commemorating "Holy Buddha Purnima 2024" this afternoon.

Mentioning that thousands of years of Buddhist tradition are intertwined with the soil and people of Bangladesh, the President extended friendly greetings and congratulations to all the Buddhists of the world.

He asked Buddhist leaders to spread the noble teachings and ideals of Buddha to everyone to build a happy, prosperous and peaceful Bangladesh as dreamed by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

He said human rights are being violated in many parts of the world now and vices like greed, jealousy, and revenge are increasing the exploitation and deprivation of society. Country-by-country wars have thrown the world economy out of balance.

"It is also having a negative impact on the socio-economic sector of various countries of the world including Bangladesh," said Shahabuddin.

In this difficult time, the president also urged everyone to stand by each other.

Both the president and his wife Rebeka Sultana celebrated the Buddha Purnima, the largest religious festival of the Buddhist community at Bangabhaban and exchanged greetings with Buddhist leaders.

Buddhist religious leaders also presented flower bouquets to the president at Bangabhaban.

Buddhists all over the country including Dhaka celebrate this day with due religious solemnity as it marks the birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

More than eight hundred guests attended the reception at Bangabhaban.

Minister of Religion Faridul Haque Khan, state minister  for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Kujendra Lal Tripura, leaders of the Buddhist community and concerned secretaries of Bangabhaban were also present present on the occasion.