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President Mohammed Shahabuddin today (May 4) called upon the Buddhist people to work for the welfare of the country and its people as he addressed the 'Buddha Purnima' reception for the Buddhist leaders at Bangabhaban in Dhaka.
"Show the light to the people . . . Work for the welfare of the country and its people," he told the function at Credential Hall of the Presidential Palace on the occasion of the Buddha Purnima, the greatest religious festival of the Buddhist community.
The Head of State added: "All religions of the world always talk about the welfare of people. Every religion has good things."
Calling Goutam Buddha a symbol of humanity and liberty, he advised all Buddhist community members to accept the best things from the religion.
"You are part of one of the largest religious communities in the world. . . You have a lot of responsibilities and duties to establish peace and harmony in this region as well as in the world," he told the Buddhist leaders.
"Let us be inspired to live an honest and beautiful life, refrain from all kinds of dishonest activities, and build ourselves as our country's worthy citizens through good deeds," the President said.
Noting that religion is for the welfare of mankind, he said, "Religion is for the people".
He also urged the countrymen to think of doing something good for all.
He hoped that the leaders of the Buddhist community would reflect the teachings of Mahamati Buddha in their own lives and encourage others to do so as well.
Congratulating the Buddhists in Bangladesh and elsewhere across the world, the President said, "Bangladesh soil and people are mingled with ancient Buddhist monasteries, including many 1000-year-old Buddha Bihars (Buddhist temples)."
He also put emphasis on inspiring everyone to lead an honest and beautiful life, to do good deeds, and to be worthy citizens of the country.
On the occasion, the President and his wife, Dr. Rebecca Sultana, exchanged greetings with the representatives of the Buddhist community for about an hour, from 4:00 pm to 4:50 pm.
The Buddhist religious leaders also greeted President Shahabuddin, also a valiant freedom fighter, by presenting a bouquet.
State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan, Sangraj (the highest religious leader of the Buddhist Community) Dr Gyanashree Mahathero, President's Office Secretary Sampad Barua, Secretary of the Religious Affairs Ministry Kazi Enamul Hassan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Chittagong Professor Dr Pravat Chandra Barua, Vice-Chairman of the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust Supta Voshan Barua, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister and Bangladesh Awami League Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua and Secretary of the Trust Joydatta Barua, among others, were present.
Over 1,000 people, including over 800 invited guests, Buddhist community leaders, ambassadors, high commissioners, and heads of different international agencies working in Bangladesh, attended the reception.
On this occasion, Buddhist religious songs or music were also played through the sound system.