Buddhist community leaders present an idol of Gautama Buddha to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during a call on him at the Public Administration Ministry conference room on Thursday on the eve of Buddha Purnima 2026 which will be celebrated today (Friday) Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman on Thursday said his government is committed to ensuring that people of all faiths can live in peace and security and enjoy equal rights, stressing that it does not want to use religion for political gain, reports UNB.
"The current government does not want to do politics in the name of religion. We do not want to exploit religion for political interests, and we have not done so in the past either," he said while exchanging greetings with leaders of the Buddhist community on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.
The programme was held at the Public Administration Hall of the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat at around 10:00 am.
The PM said the government's foremost responsibility and commitment is to build a state and society where every citizen can freely practise, observe and enjoy their respective religious beliefs, customs and rights without any obstruction.
"The government is committed to ensuring an environment where every person, regardless of party affiliation, religion or caste, can live in peace and security," he said.
BSS adds: Buddha Purnima, the most sacred and largest religious festival of the Buddhists, will be celebrated today (Friday) across the country with traditional enthusiasm and due religious fervour.
Meanwhile,President Mohammed Shahabuddin has extended his heartfelt greetings and felicitations to the Buddhist community at home and abroad on the occasion of the Buddha Purnima, marking the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
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