National
Nation Celebrates Buddha Purnima, President, PM Extend Greetings to Buddhist Community
Buddha Purnima, the most significant religious festival for the Buddhist community, is being observed today across the country with great enthusiasm.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina extended their greetings to the Buddhist community and all citizens in separate messages on this auspicious occasion.
President Shahabuddin highlighted that Buddha Purnima commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and great passing away (Mahaparinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. He emphasized that Buddha dedicated his life to the welfare of humanity, advocating for a peaceful and prosperous world. The President noted that Buddha’s teachings of equity and friendship are crucial for establishing global peace and harmony.
He remarked that the ideals and philosophy of Buddha are vital for fostering peace in society, eliminating unrest and intolerance, and preventing moral degradation. He praised Bangladesh as a country of communal harmony where people of all religions celebrate their festivals with grandeur, reflecting a longstanding tradition of mutual respect and unity.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, stated that Gautama Buddha preached non-violence, friendship, and compassion, overcoming greed, hatred, and lust for the welfare of mankind. She stressed the importance of adhering to Buddha’s teachings in today’s world to curb violence, uphold values, and build a peaceful society.
The Prime Minister noted that people of all religions in Bangladesh have practiced their faiths in a festive, free, and undisturbed environment for ages. She affirmed that the constitution guarantees equal rights for all religions and castes, underscoring the belief that “Religion is for individuals while festivals are for all.”
She reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the dignity and secure lives of all communities, highlighting the Buddhist community’s active participation in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh. The Prime Minister expressed hope that everyone would contribute to making Bangladesh a peaceful country by embracing Buddha’s ideals.
The day is observed as a public holiday. On this occasion, newspapers will publish articles, while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television (BTV), and private TV channels will broadcast special programs highlighting the significance of the day.
Celebrations include the lighting of lamps, hoisting of national and religious flags atop monasteries, and chanting sacred verses from the Tripitaka. Buddhist devotees are expected to offer various gifts, including fruits, flowers, and candles, to statues of Lord Buddha throughout the day.
Four death row convicts were recaptured this morning (26 June), just hours after escaping from Bogura Central Jail late last night.
The convicts managed to break out by scaling a wall through a breach in the roof. They were apprehended in the vicinity of the jail this morning, Jailer Mohammad Faridur Rahman informed the media.
District Additional Superintendent of Police Snigdha Akhtar stated, “The issue is very sensitive. The district superintendent of police will announce the details in this regard at a later time.”
Following the escape, coordinated efforts by jail police and district police led to the convicts being detained in the Chashi Bazar area of Bogura Sadar upazila.
District Superintendent of Police Sudip Kumar Chakraborty confirmed that the four convicts were involved in a murder case. The escapees were identified as Nazrul, 68, from Kurigram; Amir Hamza, 41, from Narsingdi; Abdul Mannan, 34, and Farid Sheikh, 30, both from Bogura.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced today that Bangladesh is open to evaluating proposals from both India and China regarding the Teesta project and will select the one that best benefits the people of Bangladesh. Speaking at a press conference at her official residence, Gonobhaban, Hasina emphasized that the decision will prioritize national interests.
“Both India and China have made proposals. We will assess both and choose the one most beneficial for our people,” said Hasina during the event, which was called to discuss her recent state visit to India.
When asked about her preference between India and China, Hasina stated, “We maintain our friendships based on our developmental needs. Our historical ties with India date back to the 1971 Liberation War, while we also have valuable lessons to learn from China’s development.”
Addressing the specifics of the Teesta project, Hasina highlighted the ongoing discussions with both nations, especially India, with whom Bangladesh shares water from 54 rivers. “Our considerations include the project’s suitability, our repayment capacity, and the benefits for our people,” she explained.
She noted that partnering with India on the Teesta project could help resolve longstanding water-sharing issues. “Collaborating with India could streamline our efforts to address the Teesta water-sharing crisis,” she said.
Responding to social media criticism that Bangladesh is being sold to India, Hasina firmly denied any such intentions. “I do not compromise the country’s interests. Those who accuse me are pro-Pakistan,” she declared, humorously questioning how a country’s weight could be measured for sale.
On her relationship with India, Hasina reiterated that Bangladesh is an independent state, achieved through the 1971 Liberation War with India’s support. She emphasized that unlike other allied powers, India withdrew its troops immediately after the war at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s request.
Regarding the reopening of railways between Bangladesh and India, Hasina clarified, “Reopening these railways will greatly contribute to our economy, benefiting both common people and businesses.”
She also addressed objections to providing transit to India, comparing the situation to Europe’s open borders within the EU. “What is the harm in providing transit to another country? Should we close all doors of Bangladesh?” she questioned.
Hasina’s visit to New Delhi, from 21 June, marked the first bilateral visit by any head of government to India after the BJP-led alliance formed its government for the third consecutive time. This was also her second trip to the Indian capital in less than 15 days, following her attendance at Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony on 9 June.
Kaus Mia, the renowned Jorda tycoon and proprietor of Hakimpuri Jorda, has passed away at the age of 94. He died while undergoing treatment at Asgar Ali Hospital in Dhaka around 1 am today (25 June), confirmed by his grandson Anowar Sadat.
Kaus Mia was a distinguished figure in Bangladesh, recognized for being one of the highest taxpayers for 26 consecutive years. In the tax year 2021-22, he was awarded the best taxpayer in the “Senior Citizen” category, following previous years of accolades in the businessman category.
Having paid taxes for 61 years, Kaus Mia first contributed in 1958. Reflecting on his decision, he explained at a National Board of Revenue (NBR) event in 2019, “I used to keep money here and there, facing many problems and risks. In 1958, I became ‘free’ by paying my first tax and started keeping all my money in the bank, maintaining clean accounts.”
Kaus Mia’s tax contributions began making headlines in 1967 when he became the top taxpayer in then East Pakistan. Since 2008, he consistently ranked among the highest taxpayers in the country’s business sector.
