Chief adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus said the city's International Buddhist Monastery is one of the symbols of communal harmony in Bangladesh.
"Since its establishment, it (the monastery) has been playing an important role in issues related to the national interests of Bangladesh apart from the Buddhist faith," he said.
After laying the foundation stone of the Sampriti Bhaban at the International Buddhist Monastery in the capital, he made the remarks as the chief guest on Sunday morning at a function arranged by the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation.
Speaking as the chief guest, Prof Yunus said the Buddhist monasteries emerged as important educational institutions in this region since ancient times, while they are the symbols of the country's tradition and civilization.
He said monks and students used to come to these Buddhist monasteries from far away and they spread the message of peace and harmony of the great Buddha to the world.
The Buddhist monasteries of this country were not only the centers of religious rituals and education, but also the centers of public-welfare programs in the society, he added.
He said monks and students used to come to these Buddhist monasteries from far away and they spread the message of peace and harmony of the great Buddha to the world.
The Buddhist monasteries of this country were not only the centers of religious rituals and education, but also the centers of public-welfare programs in the society, he added.
Recalling that Gautama Buddha preached the message of harmony and equality for the welfare of humanity and Buddhism sought the well-being of all living beings, he mentioned that Buddha says, "We cannot deprive anyone of peace and happiness; even the smallest living beings."
Atish Dipankar, a Buddhist scholar born in this land, is a world-renowned scholar and he carried the message of the Great Buddha to Tibet in China, Prof Yunus said.
The Chinese people still remember Atish Dipankar with the highest respect, he said, adding that the teachings, institutions, traditions and scholars of Buddhism are very important in the history of human civilization.
The chief adviser said that the city's International Buddhist Monastery is one of the symbols of communal harmony in Bangladesh.
"Since its establishment, it (the monastery) has been playing an important role in issues related to the national interests of Bangladesh apart from the Buddhist faith," he said.
Prof Yunus said this Buddhist monastery has been carrying out various public-welfare programmes, including preserving the religious, social and cultural heritage of the Buddhist community of Bangladesh and providing technical education, showing respect to the messages of Gautama Buddha - non-violence and equality.
He hoped that 'Sampriti Bhaban' of the International Buddhist Monastery would play a glorious role at home and abroad by upholding the heritage of harmony and humanity of Bangladesh.
At the beginning of his speech, the chief adviser said the International Buddhist Monastery is only 10 kilometers away from his residence and if he had not visited the monastery today, he won't be able to know that there would have been such a beautiful monastery in the city.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
