DHAKA, March 21, 2020 (BSS) – Dr Dharmasen Mohathero, the highest Buddhist
religious leader in Bangladesh, passed away at a hospital in Chattogram city
last night at the age of 92.
Dr Dharmasen had long been suffering from old-age complications and
breathed his last at a port city hospital early hours today while undergoing
treatment there, hospital and monastery sources said.
He left behind countless devotees, a large number of disciples and a host
of relatives to mourn his death.
Dr Dharmasen was ordained as a novice monk in 1942 and he is the author of
four books. He was coronated as 12th Sangaraja, the highest abbot of Supreme
Sanga Council (monastic order), in 2004.
The highest Buddhist leader was conferred with four international awards
for the cause of Dhamma, humanity, peace and monastic leadership.
His mortal remains will be kept preserved at Unainpura Lankaram Monastery
at Patiya upazila in Chattogram, in which he was the life-long chief.
The mortal remains will be kept preserved by placing into a casket for
cremation ceremony at a convenient time.
In a condolence message, President Abdul Hamid expressed deep shock and
sorrow at the death of Dr Dharmasen.
He prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed profound
sympathy to the bereaved family members, well-wishers and followers of the
Buddhist leader.
In separate message, Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury also expressed
shock and sorrow at the death of Dr Dharmasen.