Dhaka Bureau: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that Gautam Buddha enlightened the world through his life and actions by overcoming greed, hatred and lust. He said, Gautama Buddha was inspired by the ideals of truth and beauty. Today, Thursday (May 04), he said this in a speech given on the occasion of ‘Buddha Purnima’.
The Prime Minister also said, ‘Buddha preached the message of non-violence, equality, friendship and compassion for the welfare of people and to establish peace and harmony in society. It is necessary to follow the Buddha’s teachings in today’s world to suppress the brute force maddened by violence, to prevent the degradation of values and to build a peaceful society.’
Sheikh Hasina said, on the occasion of the holy Buddha Purnima, which commemorates the birth, bodhilabh and great death of Mahamati Gautam Buddha, I extend my sincere greetings to all including the Buddhist community of the country.
He said, Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony. People of every religion in this country have been practicing their respective religions in a festive, free and undisturbed environment since time immemorial. Our constitution guarantees equal rights to people of all religions and castes. We believe ‘Religion belongs to everyone, festival belongs to everyone’.
The Prime Minister said that we are working tirelessly to build a non-discrimination society by keeping the cultural heritage of thousands of years and the spirit of the great liberation war. Buddhists have also been equally participating in the socio-economic development activities of Bangladesh for ages.
He also said, ‘Hopefully, everyone will play a role in making Bangladesh a peaceful country by holding and cherishing the ideals of Gautam Buddha. I wish that Buddha Purnima brings happiness, peace, welfare and prosperity in the lives of all the people of the world including Bangladesh.
