Today marks Buddha Purnima, the principal religious festival of the Buddhist community in Bangladesh, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana of Gautama Buddha.
Devotees across the country are observing the day with prayers, rituals and traditional practices, such as sprinkling water on the Bodhi tree.
The occasion, also known as Baishakhi Purnima, reflects Bangladesh's long-standing tradition of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The day holds deep religious significance as it commemorates three major events in the life of Gautama Buddha, all believed to have occurred on a full moon day.
Born in Lumbini, present-day Nepal, Buddha renounced his princely life in search of spiritual truth and later founded Buddhism.
In a message marking the occasion, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended greetings to Buddhists worldwide, highlighting the teachings of love, non-violence and compassion.
