DHAKA, Oct 27, 2023 (BSS) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said the Awami

League government is committed to protecting the existing communal harmony
and establishing Bangladesh as a prosperous and peaceful country.

In a message issued on the occasion of the second largest religious festival
of Buddhist community sacred Prabarona Purnima and month-long Kathin Chibar
Dan (yellow robe offering ceremony), she said Bangladesh is a country of
communal harmony.

The premier said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
ensured religious freedom of the people of all races and communities in post-
independence Bangladesh.
 
In continuation of that, inspired by the non-communal spirit, the country's
people have been following their respective religion freely, she said.

On the occasion of the religious festival, Sheikh Hasina greeted the
country's Buddhist community.

She said the message of peace of Gautama Buddha has made an important
contribution to the welfare of mankind and the establishment of global peace.

Buddha's non-violent words and love of life are still widely equally admired
around the world today, the prime minister said.

She said the spontaneous participation of Buddhists in Shubha Pravarana
Purnima and month long celebration of Katin Chibar Dan helps build unity,
solidarity and harmony among all.

Sheikh Hasina said the 'Shubha Pravarana Purnima and Kathin Chibar Dan' plays
an important role in developing the devotees as true followers of the Buddha.

She hoped that, imbued with the ideology of Gautam Buddha, people from all
religions and casts will work together to establish Smart Bangladesh and
'Sonar Bangla' dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman.

The prime minister wished all programmes of the festivals a success.