Harmony and tolerance will be stronger in new Bangladesh: Chief Adviser

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said communal harmony and tolerance will become more deeply rooted in the new Bangladesh that has emerged after the July mass uprising.

He expressed his hope that, with the collective efforts of all citizens regardless of religion, caste, or creed, the journey towards building a just, non-discriminatory state founded on human values would be smooth and successful.

He conveyed the message in a statement on Saturday greeting Buddhists in Bangladesh and across the world on the occasion of Prabarana Purnima and the Kathin Chibar Dan, one of Buddhism’s most significant religious festivals.

Professor Yunus said Gautama Buddha throughout his life propagated the message of non-violence, equality, and compassion for the welfare of humanity and the establishment of peace. His ideals, he added, are radiant with humanism and sacrifice, and his teachings continue to be revered worldwide as a path to peace and harmony.

He noted that Buddha’s philosophy remains relevant for overcoming global instability and fostering world peace.

The Chief Adviser also highlighted Bangladesh’s rich Buddhist heritage, saying the soil and people of the country have been intertwined with Buddhism for centuries. Ancient monasteries scattered across the country, he said, bear testimony to the land’s significance as a centre of Buddhism in Asia in earlier times.

“Bangladesh is a land of communal harmony,” Yunus said, adding that for generations people of different religions, ethnicities, and communities have lived together peacefully. He stressed that all national achievements have been the result of collective contributions, irrespective of faith or background.