2,000 Gather in Chattogram for Interfaith Prayer, Calling for World Peace and Harmony

Jahid Ikbal : Chattogram, March 8: A large-scale interfaith prayer meeting promoting world peace and harmony was held at Kadhurkhil Marjin Buddhist Temple in Chattogram, organized by HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light) in collaboration with the Jibon Shikha Foundation. The event brought together around 2,000 participants, including Buddhist, Muslim, and Hindu religious leaders, along with local residents.

Held under the banner of the “Chittagong Buddhist Peace Academy – Special Prayer Meeting for World Peace and Harmony,” the program emphasized unity across faiths and delivered a strong message advocating for an end to war. Participants collectively voiced the slogan “No War, We Want Peace,” highlighting the urgent need for global harmony and coexistence.

Bangladesh, known for its multi-religious

society, is home to Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians who have long coexisted peacefully. However, in light of recent reports of violence against minority communities, organizers stressed the importance of strengthening interfaith dialogue and understanding.

The event was presided over by Venerable Dr. Sanghapriya Mahathero, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Sangharaj Bhikkhu Mahasabha, while Venerable Dipananda Mahathero, Principal of Karunashil Marajin Vihar, led the proceedings. Members of Parliament Mr. Arafat Ullah (Chattogram-8) and Mr. Abu Sufiyan (Chattogram-9) attended as chief guests.

The program featured interfaith joint prayers, peace messages from Buddhist leaders, and a symbolic 1,000-candle lighting ceremony to reinforce the call for peace. In addition, essential Ramadan relief items—including rice, cooking oil, and sugar—were distributed among vulnerable community members, reflecting the spirit of compassion and charity during the holy month.
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n his remarks, Venerable Dipananda Mahathero expressed his deep commitment to praying for world peace and dedicating his life to the well-being of humanity. He emphasized the importance of love, compassion, and harmony in building a peaceful society.

Venerable Dr. Sanghapriya Mahathero highlighted the ongoing conflicts around the world as a serious threat to humanity, stating that war and violence are violations of human rights. He called on people across all nations and faiths to come together to establish lasting peace and acknowledged HWPL’s global role in promoting interfaith harmony and human welfare.

Venerable Pinto Barua, Secretary of Karunashil Marajin Vihar, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with HWPL and praised the leadership of Venerable Dipananda Mahathero in making the event a success. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting peace initiatives in the future.

Organizers stated that the event served as a meaningful platform to strengthen interfaith cooperation and that similar peace education and exchange activities will continue to expand in Chattogram.