Highest Buddhist leader Dr Dharmasen passes away

Dr Dharmasen Mohathero, 92, the highest Buddhist religious leader in Bangladesh, has passed away due to old-age complications.

He took his last breath at a hospital in Chittagong in the early hours of Saturday, reports BSS.

The monastery sources confirmed the matter.

In a condolence message, President Abdul Hamid expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Dr Dharmasen.

He prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed profound sympathy to the bereaved family members, well-wishers and followers of the Buddhist leader.

In separate message, Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury also expressed shock and sorrow at the death of Dr Dharmasen.

He left behind countless devotees, a large number of disciples and a host of relatives to mourn his death.

Dr Dharmasen was ordained as a novice monk in 1942 and he was the author of four books. He was coroneted as 12th Sangaraja, the highest abbot of Supreme Sanga Council (monastic order), in 2004.

The highest Buddhist leader was conferred with four international awards for the cause of Dhamma, humanity, peace and monastic leadership.

His mortal remains will be kept preserved at Unainpura Lankaram Monastery at Patiya upazila in Chittagong, in which he was the life-long chief.

The mortal remains will be kept preserved by blessings into a casket for ceremonial cremation at a convenient time.