Buddhist religious leader Gyanashree Mahathero passes away

Dr Gyanashree Mahathero, the highest religious leader of Bangladesh’s Buddhist community, Ekushey Padak recipient, and principal of Chattogram Buddhist Monastery, has passed away.

He died while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Chattogram at 4:30pm on Thursday, November 13. He was 101 years old.

The information was confirmed to the media by Vikkhu Sunandapriya, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation.

He said that Dr Gyanashree Mahathero’s body will be preserved under a special process at Binajuri Cremation Monastery in Raozan, Chattogram. His funeral will be held later on a scheduled date, where Buddhist representatives from different countries will attend.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation has expressed deep sorrow at the passing of Dr Gyanashree Mahathero.

In a condolence message, the organisation stated that his passing is an irreparable loss to the Buddhist nation. “He was a radiant luminary in the history of the century — a great master of many disciples and students, a guardian of the destitute, and a selfless devotee who founded numerous institutions. The entire Buddhist community is deeply grieved by the passing of this virtuous figure. We pray for the eternal peace of Sangharaj Bhante’s departed soul.”