Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A. F. M. Khalid Hossain ‍spoke at the 'National Anitya Sabha and Smriticharan' event held at the parade ground today. Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Jan 2, 2025 (BSS) - Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A. F. M. Khalid Hossain emphasized the interim government's dedication to fostering unity and harmony among all communities in the country, including Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians.

He made the remarks during the 'National Anitya Sabha and Smriticharan' event, which honored the third highest religious guru of Buddhism, Sangharaja Dr. Gyanashree Mahasthavir, held at the parade ground in the city this afternoon.

The 'Ashtaparishkarasah Sanghadan' programme was held to commemorate the late Agra Mahapandit Dr. Gyanashree Mahathero, the third highest religious guru of Buddhism, during the 'National Anitya Sabha and Smriticharan' event. 

The two-day programme was hosted by the Bangladesh Buddhist Association. Following several religious rituals, the body of Sangharaj Gyanshree Mahathero will be taken to the Binajuri Crematorium in Raozan at 6 pm today.

Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain praised Dr. Gyanshree Mahathero for his exemplary qualities as a humanitarian and welfare-oriented individual.

He emphasized that Dr. Gyanshree Mahathero's dedication to religious work over the past century sets him apart as a great man. The interim government has made efforts to donate to Buddhist monasteries across the country. 

The event was chaired by Upasanghraraj Shasanbhaskar Shasanpriyo Mahathero, the highest religious leader of the Buddhists.

Attendees included BNP standing committee member and former minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, BNP nominated MP candidate from Chattogram’s constituency-9 Abu Sufian, and BNP leader Israfil Khasru Chowdhury.

Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain was the guest of honor. Blessings were given by the fourteenth Sangharaja Bhadanta Dharmapriyo Mahathera, the sub-sangharaja Priyadarshi Mahathera, the sub-sangharaja Silrakshit Mahathera, and the sub-sangharaja Dharmadarshi Mahathera.

On November 13, Gyanashree Mahathero, the third highest religious leader of Buddhism and recipient of the Ekushey Padak for social service, passed away while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chattogram. He was a centenarian Buddhist monk who dedicated his life to the welfare of people. Born on November 18, 1925, in Uttar Gujra village of Raozan upazila of Chattogram, he left behind a legacy of service and compassion.