ZCZC
BSS-27
OBIT-SATYAPRIYA
Buddhist religious leader Satyapria Mohathero dies
DHAKA, Oct 04, 2019 (BSS)- ‘Ekushey Padak’ winner and foremost Buddhist religious leader in the country Satyapriya Mohathero passed away in the early hours of today.
He died while undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) at the age of 89.
Satyapriya was suffering from old-age complications for long and admitted to BSMMU on September 15.
Satyapriya was born in Ramu of Cox’s Bazar district on June 10, 1930. Earlier, he was known as Bidhu Bhushan Barua. His father’s name is late Harakumar Barua and mother Premmoye Barua.
Having embraced the life of a monk in 1950, he took over as the president of the Bangladesh Sangharaja of Bhikkhu Mahasabha, an association of senior Buddhist monks, in 2006 before the title of deputy Sangharaj was conferred on him.
A winner of the Ekushey Padak in 2015 for his contributions to the society, Satyapriya was revered for sheltering people regardless of caste, creed and colour in Ramu Central Shima Bihar in the War of Liberation in 1971.
The mortal remains of Satyapriya were taken to Ramu Central Bihar where his body will be preserved for the next one week.
Decision regarding his funeral will be made public afterwards, said Pragyananda Bhikkhu, assistant director of Ramu Central Sima Bihar.
President Abdul Hamid condoled the death of Satyapriya Mohathero.
In a condolence message, the President expressed deep shock and sorrow at his death.
He also prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed profound sympathy to the bereaved family.
BSS/PSB/KU/1915 HRS