Buddhist Peace Fellowship Bangladesh

Bangladesh is an ancient Buddhist land. Long after Buddhism disappeared from most of the sub-continent, Buddhist rulers continued to build monasteries, stupas, and temples. Excellent statutes and bronze work dating from the 11th through 17th centuries (BE) continue to arise from the rich alluvial soils of our land. Sites such as Mahasthan and Paharpur in the North and Mainamati (near Comilla) in the Southeast are ample and wonderful proof of Bangla's rich Buddhist heritage. We are proud of this heritage and its legacy today. Although a minority in the Bangladesh of today, we continue our traditions, customs, and allegiance to the Triple Gem.

The BPFB in particular works to unite all Buddhists – in cooperation with the other religions of our country – for the greater welfare of our people. We are committed to the correct teaching of the Buddha-Dhamma and to progressive social work among our extremely poor people. Further, "special conditions" in the Chittagong Hill Tracts require peace work that we contribute to quietly.

The Southeast leg of Bangladesh was often independent from the Bengali areas and thus shows its own rich Buddhist heritage, which continues until today among the indigenous peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (Chakmas and Marmas are the largest groups) and the Rakhaing (Arakanese) communities of the coastal and hill areas. The ancient Barua (a Bengali people who did not convert to Islam under the Moghuls) peoples are scattered throughout the region as well.

 Our President: 
Ven. Bodhipal Mahathero

Ven. Bodhipal Mahathero is a senior Barua monk well-known for his work to bring unity among the religious minorities of Bangladesh: Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and adivaisis (tribal peoples). He does so in cooperation with a number of Islamic organizations.

Here he is shown hosting a lecture by Santikaro Bhikkhu on "The Buddhist Concept of Peace" given on Bangladesh's Independence Day 1997 (March 26). This day is an extremely poignant one for Bangladeshis as it commemorates the bloody birth of this nation through liberation from the then dictatorial Pakistan military regime. The lecture was hosted by BPFB and attended by friends of all religious traditions.

One of Our Projects: Parbatya Bouddha Mission Orphanage

"Parbatya means "people of the hills" in Bengali and our Mission is to further the understanding and practice of Buddha-Dhamma among the peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, such as Chakma, Marma, and Traipura. PBM has been registered with the government and is now a small NGO (Non-profit Socio-cultural & Religious organisation).  
For more information, please click here. 

BPFB Meditation Retreat

In March 1997, we organized our first mediation retreat. It was held in an old Rakhaing temple (see below) in Ramu, near Cox's Bazar. This temple was built over a hundred years ago when Rakhaing people were the majority in this area. It houses many bronze and marble Buddha images in Rakhaing or Arakan style. There are also two large bronze bells which marked our days with deep, rich tones. Unfortunately, since the Pakistani period, no Buddhists live in the immediate area, having fled to Burma, and the temple has fallen into disrepair. Holding the retreat here was a first step in its renovation (but further funds are still lacking).

The retreat grew out of our attendance at INEB's "Ordained Sangha" meetings in 1994 & 1996. Venerable Santikaro Bhikkhu of Suan Mokkh agreed to lead the retreat and BPFB handled logistics and organizational matters. The Rakhaing Buddhist Welfare Association were the local hosts and their branch in Ramu provided the food.

The instruction was in "mindfulness with breathing" as taught in the Lord Buddha's Anapanasati Sutta (Majjhima-nikaya #118) and a detailed discussion of the four noble truths and dependent co-origination.

We sponsored a second reteat in March 1998 at Savar, just north of Dhaka. This too was an important Buddhist site in ancient times and Buddha images occassionally arise from the rich alluvial soils. Participants from 4 religious traditions and many ethnic communities joined us this time. It was also lead by Ven. Santikaro Bhikkhu.

  Click here to see the work of a young artist.

To visit the BPF site (but you'll be leaving Suan Mokkh site)

back to top of page