President Mohammed Shahabuddin -File photo

DHAKA, April 30, 2026 (BSS) – President Mohammed Shahabuddin has extended his heartfelt greetings and felicitations to the Buddhist community at home and abroad on the occasion of the Buddha Purnima, marking the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

“On the occasion of the holy Buddha Purnima, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the great Gautama Buddha, I extend my heartfelt greetings and felicitations to the Buddhist community both at home and abroad,” he said in a message.

The Head of State said Gautama Buddha, throughout his life, preached the ideals of non-violence, equality, friendship and compassion for the welfare of mankind, with the ultimate aim of establishing an ideal society based on peace and harmony.

He noted that the Five Precepts of Buddha provide important guidelines for the spiritual, family and social development of individuals.

President Shahabuddin said, “The great Buddha made tireless efforts to establish a peaceful and harmonious world. ‘Non-violence is the supreme religion’—this noble saying remains equally relevant today.”

Referring to the current global context, he said that Buddha’s philosophy can play a vital role in preventing wars and conflicts rooted in religion, caste and ethnicity, and in promoting global peace.

The President said the Bangladesh government, enriched by its thousand-year-old cultural heritage, is working tirelessly to build a non-discriminatory society, while the Buddhist community has been making significant contributions to the country’s socio-economic development.

He expressed hope that the Buddhist community in Bangladesh would further enrich itself with knowledge, talent and skills by embracing the ideals of Gautama Buddha.

“With the collective efforts of all, we will be able to build an inclusive, happy, prosperous and humane Bangladesh,” he added.

The President wished happiness, peace and well-being to all people of the country and the world on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.