Describing Bangladesh as a country of communal harmony, President M Abdul Hamid yesterday urged people from all communities to play their respective roles to expedite the pace of national development and progress, reports BSS.

In a message, marking the ‘Kathin Chibar Dan’, a month-long great festival of Buddhist community that began yesterday, President Abdul Hamid said thousand- year-old Buddhist heritage is closely linked with the soil and people of Bangladesh and the ancient Buddhist temples at different places are still bearing the bright examples.

He said ‘Kathin Chibar Dan’ is one of the great festivals of the Buddhist community and the festival makes unity, solidarity and harmony among the Buddhist people through their participation in it.

Recalling the contribution of Gautama Buddha to the mankind, President Abdul Hamid said Buddha throughout his ife propagated the message of equality, friendship, humanity and peace to build a harmonious and peaceful world.

Buddha’s ideology can play an important role in establishing peace in society, the president added.

Mentioning Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony the president expressed hope that the message of peace and harmony of the Buddhist society through celebrating the Kathin Chibar Dan will spread out across the globe.

“I wish the ‘Kathin Chibar Dan’ festival will bring peace and prosperity among all people,” Abdul Hamid said.