State can't have any religion: CJ

In every religion, there is an opportunist group that explains religion in its own way and this ultimately benefits vested interests, Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha has said.

"If we analyse the holy books of every religion, we see all of them talk about people's welfare and different issues of life, and about how to go about life, shunning the path of internal conflict, jealousy and malice,” he said.

The chief justice made the comments while addressing a discussion on “World Peace in Light of Buddhism” as the chief guest.

Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha organised it on the occasion of holy Buddha Purnima at Dharmarajik Buddha Mahabihar in the capital's Sabujbagh.

He said religion is a personal matter and the state is for all and therefore, it cannot have any religion.

Bangladesh is a secular state; there are public holidays on the occasions of Buddha Purnima and Durga Puja and people of different religions enjoy the occasions, the chief justice said.

Shuddhananda Mahathero, president of Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha, presided over the discussion.

Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission Principal Swami Dhruveshananda, Principal of Notre Dame College Benjamin Costa and Awami League leader Nur-E-Alam Lelin also took part in the discussion.