President Mohammed Shahabuddin -File photo

DHAKA, April 30, 2026 (BSS) – President Mohammed Shahabuddin will host a reception for leaders of the Buddhist community at the Credential Hall of Bangabhaban tomorrow on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.

Buddha Purnima marks the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who later became Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

“The reception will begin at 4:00 pm . . . the President will also deliver a speech addressing the Buddhist community across the country through the media,” the President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam told BSS this afternoon.

The President and his wife Dr Rebeka Sultana, will exchange greetings with Buddhist leaders on the occasion of their largest religious festival in Bangladesh.

Buddhists in Dhaka and across the country will celebrate the day with due reverence and festivity.

Religious leaders from the Buddhist community will present a bouquet to the President at Bangabhaban.

Several hundred people, including invited guests, distinguished personalities, and professionals, are expected to attend the reception, said a programme schedule of the Bangabhaban.

Religious Affairs Adviser Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Dipen Dewan, Sanghanayak Srimat Banasree Mahathera, International Buddhist Monastery’s chief priest Dharmapriyo Mahathera, Bouddha Dharmia Kallyan Trust Vice Chairman Bhabesh Chandra, its Secretary Joydatta Barua, other Buddhist leaders, and Bangabhaban secretaries, among others, are expected to attend the programme. 

Ambassadors, high commissioners, and heads of foreign missions from Buddhist-majority countries will also exchange greetings with the President on the occasion.