One World Buddhist Organization
Bangladesh is known for its long history of Buddhism that stretches back to the lifetime of the Buddha and continued as a major religion into the 13th century. Even today, a small community of Buddhists continues to live in Bangladesh, making up just 0.7% of the population. Despite its 2,600 years of unbroken presence in the country, the community is currently under threat and at risk of further decline.
Due to a lack of Buddhist educational institutions, Buddhist students are forced to attend government schools or those belonging to Christian missionaries who are actively targeting Bangladesh’s remaining Buddhists for conversion.
For 900 years, Bangladesh has been without a proper center of Buddhist education. Despite the many difficulties faced by the ancient Bangladeshi Buddhist minority, the Buddhists of the outside world have not helped to protect them, nor have they extended a helping hand in safeguarding Buddhism’s continued presence in Bangladesh.
The ruins of many Buddhist monuments throughout Bangladesh are a testament to its Buddhist culture and civilization. During the Buddha’s time, India was divided into sixteen states, or Mahajanapadas, and the region of Bengal (present-day Bangladesh) belonged to the Anga Mahajanapada.
Buddhism flourished during the reign of emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE and reached its golden age under the Pala dynasty (8th–13th century CE). The Palas established countless monasteries, universities, and centers of learning, attracting students from across Asia.
After the fall of the Pala Empire, Buddhists faced persecution from Brahmins, Sen Kings, and later Muslim invaders. Many Buddhists were forced to convert, and Buddhism nearly disappeared from the region — except in Chittagong, where a small community preserved the teachings to this day.
Although the world is progressing through education and scientific advancement, Buddhism in Bangladesh is at risk of extinction. The two main causes are limited education and poverty.
Most reputable schools in Bangladesh are run by Muslims or Christian missionaries, where Buddhist students are influenced away from their culture and religion. In remote areas like the Chittagong hills, poverty and lack of access to education make the situation even worse.
According to the 2022 census, 27% of Buddhists in Bangladesh live below the poverty line. Without proper Buddhist educational institutions, the community cannot preserve its identity, culture, or moral foundation.
The establishment of suitable Buddhist educational institutions is essential. These schools must also provide free education to orphans and poor children, giving them the opportunity to grow up in a Buddhist environment rooted in moral teachings.
Monks and nuns will also benefit from studying Buddhism in a proper environment, enabling them to serve their communities more effectively. Through education, the Buddhist community of Bangladesh can preserve its identity, culture, and future.
