Moha Sanghanayak S Dhammapal Mohathero, supreme spiritual leader of the Buddhist community in the country, passed away yesterday at Sriraj Hospital at Bangkok in Thailand.
He was 80 years old and suffering from various diseases, including lung cancer, according to a press release.
Dhammapal Mohathero became the 27th Sanghanayaka [chief] of Bangladesh Buddha Bhikkhu Mahasabha in 1998 and observed the duty of Sanghanayak after the death of his predecessor Priananda Mohather.
He was awarded Upashompoda in 1952 and served as general secretary of Pakistan Bhikkhu Mahashabha in 1966.
Born in Pingola village under Patiya upazila of Chittagong on February 1, 1933, Mohathero did his matriculation in 1952. He took his MA degree from the Buddhist studies department of Chittagong University in 1975.
Later, he was accorded the title, Tripitok Scholar, when he passed the exams of Bangladesh Sanskrit and Pali Education Board. He was a schoolteacher from 1960 to 1990.
Dhammapal Mohathero received a number of awards and titles, including Bichitradharmakathic [expert in various religions] in 1962, Bishuddhanada Gold Medal, Sasanajoti, Mahasaddharmmajitikadhajja [great flag carrier of Buddhism] from the Myanmar government in 2007.
He also obtained an honorary doctorate degree from Vietnam Buddhist University in 2011. He visited different countries, including India, Nepal, Srilanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malyashia, China and Vietnam.
He was known as a Sanghanayak for his knowledge and gentle demeanour.
His body is expected to arrive in Bangladesh today.
In his death, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed deep shock at his death and recalled his contributions to peace in society through preaching the message of Lord Buddha.
Members of Bangladesh Buddha Krishti Prochar Sangha expressed their condolences at Dhammapal Mohathero's demise.