A delegation of senior Buddhist leaders met with Bangladesh’s chief adviser, Prof. Muhammad Yunus, in Dhaka on Sunday to exchange greetings on the occasion of Probarona Purnima, which marks the end of the traditional three-month Buddhist rains retreat. The meeting took place at the state guesthouse Jamuna, where the leaders shared the spiritual significance of the day and discussed the government’s ongoing cooperation with the country’s Buddhist community.
Prof. Yunus, who was appointed chief adviser of the interim government earlier this year, has emphasized the importance of protecting minority rights and promoting interfaith harmony. The Buddhist delegation’s visit on Probarona Purnima reflected both the mutual goodwill between the community and the state and the desire to deepen cooperation in the preservation of Bangladesh’s religious and cultural diversity.
“The principal aim of [the] Buddha was to build an ideal society based on peace and harmony. His ideals still shine brightly with the glory of humanity and sacrifice,” Prof. Yunus told the delegation. “I firmly believe that the teachings of [the] Buddha can play a significant role in resolving the current unstable global situation and establishing lasting world peace.” (Dhaka Tribune)
During the meeting, the delegation expressed their gratitude to Prof. Yunus for allocating land for a Buddhist cremation ground in Uttara, a neighborhood in the capital. They noted that the decision was made within just 10 days of the matter being raised with the interim government, a development they described as “unique in history.” (BSS News)
Previously, Buddhists in Dhaka had to travel to the city of Chattogram to conduct funeral rites, placing a heavy burden on families. With the new allocation, the leaders said, Buddhists “now have a place after death” within the capital, a gesture they viewed as both compassionate and long overdue. (New Age)
The delegation also discussed the religious importance of Probarona Purnima, which is observed with acts of reflection, forgiveness, and the reaffirmation of moral discipline. The monks invited Prof. Yunus to visit one of their monasteries and to attend the upcoming Kathin Chibor Dan festival, during which devotees offer new robes to the monastic sangha in a centuries-old expression of generosity and gratitude.
In addition to extending festival greetings, the Buddhist leaders outlined several long-term aspirations for the community. These included government support for pilgrimages to major Buddhist heritage sites and the establishment of a state-funded center for Buddhist studies and practice to be named after Atisha Dipankar, the 11th-century Buddhist philosopher and teacher revered for his scholarship and missionary work in Bengal and Tibet. They also offered thanks to the Religious Affairs Ministry and the Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry for their continued collaboration in promoting Buddhist welfare.
Among those present were: the principal of the Dharmarajika Buddhist Mahavihar, Buddhapriya Mahathera; Bhikkhu Sunandapriya, general secretary of the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation; Bhikkhu Kalyan Jyoti of the Hill Tracts Bhikkhu Sangha; and Bhabesh Chakma, vice-chair of the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust. They were joined by Swapan Barua Chowdhury, general secretary of the Bangladesh Buddhist Association in the Dhaka region, and trustees of the Welfare Trust, including Prof. Sukomal Barua, Mong Hla Ching, Sushil Chandra Barua, Prof. Bobby Barua, Rubel Barua, and Rajib Kanti Barua. Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma were also in attendance.
Although Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority nation, Buddhism has deep historical roots in the region dating back more than two millennia. The religion continues to play an important cultural and ethical role, particularly in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, where many of the country’s Buddhist communities are based. According to the 2022 national census, Buddhists make up less than one per cent of Bangladesh’s population, yet their temples, festivals, and charitable institutions remain integral to the country’s broader religious and social landscape. The country’s location, sharing a border with Buddhist-majority Myanmar, and with northern regions close to Bhutan and Sikkim in India increase the importance of Buddhism in the nation.
See more
CA Yunus greets Buddhist community on Probarona Purnima, Kathin Chibar Dan (Dhaka Tribune)
Buddhist leaders exchange greetings with CA marking Probarona Purnima (BSS News)
Buddhist leaders exchange greetings with Yunus (New Age)
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