Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain spoke at a symposium held today at the Bishuddhananda-Shuddhananda Auditorium of Basabo Dharmarajika Buddhist Mahavihara in the capital. Photo : PID

DHAKA, May 1, 2026 (BSS) - Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain today said the teachings of Gautama Buddha remain highly relevant and timely in today's world.

"The core philosophy of Buddha's life is to coexist through non-violence, equality, friendship, compassion and empathy. By following this philosophy, it is possible to eliminate war, conflict and unrest from the world," he added.

Delivering the chief guest's speech, he made these remarks at a symposium titled "United Nations Vesak Day-2026 and Buddhism and World Peace" held today at the Bishuddhananda-Shuddhananda Auditorium of Basabo Dharmarajika Buddhist Mahavihara in the capital.

The symposium, organized with the joint venture of Bangladesh Regional Centre of the World Fellowship of Buddhists and the Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha, was held marking the holy Buddha Purnima enriched with triple sacred memories.

The minister noted that Bangladesh is a country of religious harmony where followers of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and other faiths have long been living peacefully side by side. 

"The government is committed to ensuring an environment where every citizen can live in peace and security regardless of political affiliation, religion or caste," he added.

President of Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha, Sree Saddhammasasanadhwaja Buddhapriya Mahathera presided over the event. 

State Minister for Railways and Road Transport and Highways Division Habibur Rashid inaugurated the symposium, while Prime Minister's Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar and Vatican Ambassador to Bangladesh Archbishop Kevin Stuart Randall joined the event as special guests.