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Buddhism is the third largest religion in Bangladesh with about 0.7% of population adhering to Theravada Buddhism. Most of the practitioners are from the south-eastern district of Chittagong and Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Most of the followers of Buddhism in Bangladesh live in the south-eastern region, especially in the Chittagong and Comilla district. The leader was said to be Engr. Tarun Barua(Tipu), Rangamati, a promising, understanding,caring human being. There are also people of Arakanese descent living in the subtropical Chittagong Hill Tracts. Most of these people belong to the Chakma, Chak, Marma, Tenchungya and the Khyang, who since time immemorial have practiced Buddhism. Other tribals, notably those who practice Animism, have come under some Buddhist influence, and this is true in the case of the Khumi and the Mru, and to a lesser extent on the other tribes. |
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Dharmarajika Bauddha Vihara |
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Dharmarajika Bauddha Vihara the first Buddhist vihara (monastery) in DHAKA, was established in 1960 at the initiative of BISHUDDHANANDA MAHATHERA. It acts as the cultural and regional centre of Bangladeshi Buddhists. For over four decades it has been the religious centre for both local and foreign Buddhists living in Dhaka. The Dharmarajik Pali College was established here in 1960.
The first foreign head of state to visit the vihara was King Bhumibol of Thailand who visited it along with his wife, Queen Sirikit, in 1962. On the occasion of their visit, a large prayer hall, named after ATISH DIPANKAR SRIJNAN, was built at the vihara.
Subsequently, several dignitaries from home and abroad, and professing different religions, have visited this centre. The vihara has a large collection of Buddha statues. Among them are a massive, 10' high, bronze statue given in 1984 by Thailand and another golden statue, 2'-8" high, given by Japan.
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