Dhaka: A fresher’s reception and cultural program for first-year undergraduate Buddhist students at Dhaka University (DU) took place on Saturday night. The event was chaired by Jagannath Hall provost Debashis Pal and was held at the Rabindra Bhaban auditorium of Jagannath Hall.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the program featured DU Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Md Mamun Ahmed as the chief guest, with Dr. Sukomal Barua, an Ekushey Award recipient and supernumerary professor of the department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at DU, delivering the inaugural speech. The event also recognized the contributions of Dr. Dilip Kumar Barua, Vice Chancellor of Kishorganj University, Prof. Suman Kanti Barua, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Rabindra University, and Dr. Shantu Barua, assistant proctor of Dhaka University.
A press release, signed by Rafiqul Islam, acting director of Dhaka University’s Public Relations, detailed the event’s proceedings, highlighting speeches from Dr. Neeru Barua, chairman of the Pali and Buddhist Studies department, Bhikkhu Sunandapriya Mohathero, and the Dhaka University Buddhist Students Union’s President Avishek Barua and General Secretary Pratik Barua.
In his address, chief guest Prof. Mamun Ahmed emphasized the equal opportunities and facilities available to all DU students, regardless of caste, religion, or community, through competitive admissions. He described Dhaka University as a symbol of religious harmony and encouraged students to develop into worthy citizens. He also noted the potential role of the Dhaka University Buddhist Students’ Union in supporting disadvantaged students through mutual unity and harmony.