President Mohammed Shahabuddin today called on Buddhist community leaders to prioritize the nation's wellbeing. Speaking at a reception in the Credentials Hall of the Bangabhaban in honor of "Happy Buddha Purnima 2024," he stressed the importance of guiding people towards righteousness and collective betterment, beyond personal or familial interests.

The President highlighted the rich Buddhist heritage in Bangladesh, which spans thousands of years, and extended his warm greetings and best wishes to Buddhists in Bangladesh and worldwide. He emphasized that Buddha's teachings aim to promote the welfare and happiness of all beings, transcending the barriers of time and space.

Promoting interfaith harmony, the President encouraged embracing the positive aspects of all religions while discarding the negative. He urged Buddhist leaders to advance Buddha's noble teachings for a harmonious and prosperous Bangladesh, as envisioned by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

President Shahabuddin underscored that religion should foster people's well-being rather than cause suffering, emphasizing the need to understand religion from a perceptive, not a contentious, standpoint. Amid global human rights violations, conflicts, and socio-economic instability, he called for unity and mutual support among nations.

The President and his wife, Dr. Rebecca Sultana, extended their greetings to Buddhist leaders and received bouquets from Buddhist religious figures at Bangabhaban. He also exchanged views with the community leaders.

Buddha Purnima was observed with reverence and enthusiasm throughout the country, particularly in Dhaka, commemorating Siddhartha Gautama Buddha's birth and enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Buddhagaya. The reception at Bangabhaban saw over 1,000 attendees, including numerous guests.

Religious Affairs Minister Md Faridul Haque Khan, State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Kujendra Lal Tripura, leaders of the Buddhist community, and concerned secretaries from Bangabhaban were also present.