Desk Report:
Social Welfare and Women and Child Affairs Minister Professor Dr. A. Z. M. Zahid Hossain has said that the teachings of Mahamati Gautam Buddha are very relevant and timely in today’s world. He said that the main philosophy of Buddha is to coexist in the bonds of non-violence, equality, friendship, compassion, and empathy. If the teachings of Gautam Buddha, the pioneer of non-violence, are followed, it is possible to eliminate war, conflict, and unrest from the world. He mentioned that Bangladesh is a country of religious harmony. Here, followers of all religions including Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians have been living side by side peacefully. The government is determined to ensure an environment where every person in the country, regardless of party, creed, religion, or caste, can live in peace and security. He said that the government is working for the welfare of all religious minority communities.
The symposium titled “Tri-Smriti-Integrated Holy Buddha Purnima, United Nations Beishakh Day-2026 and Buddhism and World Peace” was held on Friday (May 1, 2026) at the Basabo Dharmarajika Buddhist Mahavihara Visudhananda-Shuddhananda Auditorium in Dhaka. The Minister for Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs was present as the chief guest at the symposium, which was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Regional Center of the World Buddhist Brotherhood Association and the Bangladesh Buddhist Culture Promotion Association.
The Minister said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has taken various initiatives to provide free school uniforms, food, and books to primary school students of every educational institution, provide various assistance for higher education, and has declared zero tolerance for the prevention of violence against women and children. The development of this country is not possible by leaving behind the women and children of our country. Various initiatives have been taken for the welfare of women and children.
The symposium was presided over by Sri Saddhammasasanadhwaj Buddhapriya Mahathar, President of Bangladesh Buddhist Culture Promotion Association, as the inaugural speaker. State Minister for Railways and Road Transport and Highways Habibur Rashid was present as the inaugural speaker. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Bijan Kanti Sarkar, Ambassador of the Vatican Embassy in Bangladesh Archbishop Kevin Stuart Randall, Principal of Ramakrishna Math and Mission in Dhaka, Principal of Notre Dame College, prominent Buddhist monks, leaders of Bangladesh Buddhist Culture Promotion Association, prominent figures of the society, Buddhist men and women, and people from different classes and professions were present as special guests.
