After updating the voter list, the Election Commission will organize the election in a very short time, said AFM Khalid Hossain, the religious adviser.
He said this at a function of Bangladesh Buddhist Association at the International Convention Center of Chittagong city on Monday. The highest religious guru of Bangladeshi Buddhists. This Sanghadan program was organized on the occasion of the hundredth birthday of Gnanashree Mahasthavir.
In response to questions from journalists at the event, the religious adviser also said that a public-friendly package will be announced from next year by reducing the cost of Hajj.
In the event, Advisor AFM Khalid Hossain said, we will make arrangements so that the people can vote for the candidate of their choice. So far the culture of voting has disappeared from our society. We will update the voter list, organize the election commission and give a fair and free election.
He said, you will vote for the candidate of your choice. We will hand over power to those who will get the people’s mandate. We have not come to rule, we have come to pave the way for those who will rule in the future. We want to support you, please strengthen our hands.
In response to a question from journalists regarding the cost of Hajj, the religious adviser said, “We have taken various steps so that people can perform Hajj comfortably.” Reduced airfares, reduced accommodation costs in Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia. For this I myself traveled. We will make two simple packages by reducing the sectors that can be reduced. One near, another far. Hope we can make this Hajj process easier. I can give people-friendly package. We are working day and night. We will also sit with the plane. I have met the Saudi Hajj Minister. I hope to announce a simple, convenient and people-friendly package in 2025.
Regarding the demand for a state holiday on Pravarna Purnima, the religious adviser said that it would require a declaration by the chief adviser, the highest person in the state. I will make recommendations on your behalf when your delegation meets with the Chief Adviser.
Regarding not being able to go on a pilgrimage to India’s Gaya due to not getting a visa, religious adviser AFM Khalid Hossain said, ‘I have invited the High Commissioner of India to the ministry. It is India’s policy not to grant visas. However, I would request the High Commissioner of India to at least arrange a special visa for all Buddhists who want to go on pilgrimage.
Citing communal attackers as criminals, the religious adviser said some miscreants are among people of all religions. They have no religion. They are criminal. Those who attack places of worship to destroy communal harmony. We all have to speak out against them. So that they don’t destroy our cherished tradition of harmony.
Under the chairmanship of Mahasthbir, the special guest of the event was Ekushey Medalist and advisor of central BNP. Sukomal Barua. Inaugurated by Pragyanasarathi Pragyananda Mahasthavir. The main connoisseur was Upasangharaj Saddharmabaridhi Priyadarshi Mahasthavir. The chief guest was Dr. Biswanagarik. Dharmakirti Mahasthavir.
Prof. Tushar Kanti Barua and Prof. Bobby Barua also spoke at the event, former vice chancellor of USTC Dr. Prabhat Chandra Barua, Chairman of Bangladesh Buddhist Association Ajit Ranjan Barua, Senior Vice Chairman Adarsh Kumar Barua and Convener of the Celebration Committee Satyapriya Barua.
