Bangladesh’s Buddhist Community Cuts Festival Expense to Aid Rohingya Refugees

The Buddhist community in Bangladesh has declared that they will forgo parts of their festivities for Probarona Purnima, their second biggest religious festival, and donate the cost of a major event for the Rohingya Muslim refugees who have recently arrived in Bangladesh. Community leaders announced this decision at a meeting with senior Awami League leaders recently. Bangladesh United Buddhists’ Forum Chief Convener, Ashokh Barua said: “We will not celebrate the lantern festival this year during Probarona Purnima. The expenditure of the festival will be given to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to aid the refugees.” The Probarona Purnima festival marks the end of Vassa, a three-month retreat. Traditionally, the Buddhists celebrate the day by flying numerous paper lanterns or Fanush, among other rituals. “The government will ensure all kinds of security for the Buddhist community,” said Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport Minister, Obaidul Quader.
(Extracted from www.dhakatribune.com)