DHAKA, Mar 3, 2021 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has paid rich tributes to the memory of the Vice-President of the Bangladesh Sangharaj Bhikkhu Mahasabha (Supreme Sangha Council of Bangladesh-monastic order) celebrated monastic personality venerable Jinananda Mahathero.
The premier paid the homage in a message issued here today on the occasion of the National Cremation Ceremony of the chief abbot of the Mohabodhi Bouddha Bihar in Lohagara upazila of Chattogram district to be held tomorrow.
“Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony. The people of the Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Christian communities are living in the country with peace and harmony,” the Prime Minister said.
Sheikh Hasina added: “We are relentlessly working to build ‘Sonar Bangla’ dreamt by the best Bangalee of all times Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with upholding the thousand-year old cultural heritages and spirit of the great Liberation War”.
Noting that the ongoing development of Bangladesh is now visible to the world, she said the followers of Buddhism in this country have been participating in all kinds of activities including the socio-economic development.
The Buddhists and monks had outstanding contributions in liberating Bangladesh from Pakistan, the premier said, thousand-year Buddhist history, heritage and culture are the testimonies to the people and soil of this country.
People of all faiths in Bangladesh have been living for time immemorial setting a wonderful instance of friendship and amity, Sheikh Hasina said, adding that the Buddhist monks play vital role in upholding this bond of friendship and harmony.
Venerable Jinananda Mahathero worked for the casue of religion and welfare of humanity throughout his life being imbued with the non-communal spirit, she said, adding he founded a number of educational and welfare oriented institutions.
Jinananda adviced through his extensive religious courses for establishing unity, solidarity, friendship and peace for both the societies of monk and lay people home and abroad, the premier said.
People will be able to learn about his contribution to the nation through the souvenir ‘Jinananda Dyuti’ to be published on the cremation of venerable Jinananda Mahathero, Sheikh Hasina said, adding, “I welcome this wonderful initiative (publication of the souvenir)”.
She wished a success of the national cremation ceremony of the renowned Buddhist monk.