Bangladesh is one of the poorest and most densely populated countries in the world. With an estimated 8 million people, it ranks as the eighth largest country in terms of its population size. With the vast majority of the people living in absolute poverty, the country suffers from chronic health conditions and economic problems that make it difficult from the average family to survive without facing enormous hardships. Few countries in the world are subjected to a many adverse conditions as Bangladesh – from hunger and disease to devastating floods that blanket the country throughout the monsoon season.

Buddhism is one of the four major religions in Bangladesh. Today there are over one million followers, most of which are concentrated in the southeastern region of the country.

By all accounts, Buddhism has had a strong influence on the development of what is now considered modern-day Bangladesh. When Buddha’s teachings began to spread in this land, well before the time of Emperor Ashoke (273-232 BC), many magnificent monasteries, temples and stupas were erected throughout the country. Chinese pilgrims, who traveled throughout the region, recorded their impressions of Bangladesh between the 5th and 7th century AD, describing a flourishing religion and mighty monuments even in the most remote areas. Unfortunately, today only a handful of those stupas and monasteries still remain.

During this early period, the spread of Buddhism in Bangladesh owed much to the Kings of Bengal. Important royal dynasties like the Palas (8th-12th century AD), the Chandras (10th-11th century AD), the Devas and the minor ruling Chiefs and Pattikara (11th-13th century) offered their patronage and protected the religion. During its prime, a number of the larger monasteries were well known to the far ends of the Buddhist world, and mention was made of them in the writings of prominent Buddhist pilgrims who traveled throughout the region.

Today, the Viharas and a number of other Buddhist places continue to be carefully preserved within our country. For example, near Jaipurhat in Bogra, lies a small village named Paharpur where the remains of the largest known monastery south of the Himalayas were exposed. This ancient find covers an area of about 27 acres and consists of many structures enclosed by a continuous line of walls. The central one is so big that it is locally known as “Pahar” (hill). The locations present name is entirely due to the presence of the ruins of this lofty ancient temple, which still dominates the landscape since it is located on the flat alluvial plain of northern Bangladesh.

While only a relatively small percentage of Bangladesh is Buddhist, we believe that by acting as positive role models within our community, we can help the general public to better understand the important role Buddhism has played in the gradual development of Bangladesh as a country. Likewise, we also feel that irrespective of a persons religion, Buddhist philosophy and teachings have something important to offer to allow men and women to better understand their own personal suffering and what can be done to help reduce or eliminate it. In one of the most populous countries in the world, where poverty and strife seems to prevail on a massive scale, we feel that our presence in the community continues to have a very positive effect – and will continue to do so in the years to come.