Pahela Boishakh symbols of harmony

Extending greetings to all on occasions of Pahela Boishakh, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said they are members of one family upholding harmony as the country is set to celebrate Pahela Boishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year, on Monday, reports UNB.

"Tomorrow (Monday), the first day of Boishakh, is one of the symbols of this harmony. Everyone will celebrate in their own way in line with their own customs and participate in this festival," he said while laying the foundation stone of "Sampriti Bhaban" at the Dhaka International Buddhist Monastery.

Dr Yunus said that despite differences in beliefs, religions and customs, the Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and the various communities living across the mountains and plains of this country are all part of one family, united by a rich diversity of language, culture and tradition.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain; Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma; Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman; Religious Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik; Bangladesh Buddhist Federation Advisory Council Acting Chairman Prof Dr Sukomal Barua and International Buddhist Monastery Deputy Chief Ven Bhikkhu Sunandapriya also spoke at the event.

Bangladesh Buddhist Federation hosted the programme with Venerable Dharmapriya Mahathera, the Deputy Chief Patriarch of Bangladesh Buddhist Sangha Council, in the chair.

The Chief Adviser said the International Buddhist Monastery is one of the symbols of communal harmony in Bangladesh.

Since its establishment, he said, it has been playing an important role in issues related to the national interests of Bangladesh, including Buddhists.

With respect to Gautam Buddha's message of non-violence and equality, Dr Yunus said this Buddhist Monastery has been carrying out various public welfare programs including preserving the religious, social and cultural heritage of the Buddhist community in Bangladesh and providing technical education.

"It is my hope that the 'Sampriti Bhaban' of the International Buddhist Monastery will play a glorious role nationally and internationally by embodying the tradition of harmony and humanity of Bangladesh.