BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday said the great figures in world history never created divisions among people, but instead preached universal human welfare by removing distinctions between social classes.
“Great figures who have come to this world have shown us that path. They did not draw lines of division between people. They did not distinguish between the lower and upper classes. They spoke for the welfare of humanity by eliminating all forms of class discrimination,” he said.
Rizvi made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion and lantern festival organised at Dharmarajika Buddhist Mahavihara in Basabo in the capital on the occasion of the Buddhist community’s “Shubho Prabarana Purnima-2026” celebrations in the evening.
He said if people of all religions followed, practised, accepted and embraced the teachings of Gautama Buddha, they could become morally upright individuals and help build a peaceful society characterised by mutual brotherhood and sincerity.
“Such a society would be one of peace, prosperity and fraternity,” he said, adding that Gautama Buddha had preached the values needed to build such a society.
“Gautama Buddha came for all humanity. His work was not meant for one particular religious community. Although a religious community may have developed around his teachings, his deeds set an example for all humanity, and his words are worthy of emulation by everyone,” Rizvi said.
He said the occasion is not merely a religious ceremony or festival, as the word Prabarana carried various meanings and implications.
Rizvi then referred to Gautama Buddha’s teaching, “Attadipa Bhava”, which he explained as a call to walk by the light within oneself.
“Gautama Buddha gave humanity a profound message: walk by the light of your own inner self. When will that inner light become illuminated? When the mind is purified. Through purification of the mind, the light that emerges within us can guide us to recognise the right and straightforward path,” he said.
Drawing a parallel with Islam, Rizvi said the Islamic concept of “Siratal Mustaqim” also called on people to follow the straight path.
He said the message of becoming one’s own light and following the right path, as conveyed by great figures, had universal significance.
Although Gautama Buddha established a religious community and a monastic order, Rizvi said his teachings were not confined to any single community.
“His teachings are eternal and universal. They have crossed all religious boundaries and extended to all humanity. If we follow his deeds and teachings, they can contribute to the welfare of the entire human race,” he said.
Rizvi also referred to an example from Gautama Buddha’s life involving a woman whom society regarded as morally fallen. He said Buddha accepted rice pudding from her despite the surprise of his disciples, who questioned the monk’s conduct.
Through that act, Rizvi said, Buddha sought to teach that people considered inferior, superior or morally fallen all deserved a place in society.
“There is no distinction between the small and the great. The person you hate is not necessarily beyond redemption. They, too, may one day realise their mistakes and find the right path,” he said.