The highest religious leader of Bangladeshi Buddhists and revered Ekushey Award recipient, Aggamahapandita Dr. Jnanasree Mahathero, the Supreme Patriarch of the Sangha Council of Bangladesh (monastic order), passed away on Thursday afternoon at a city hospital. He was approximately 100 years old.
Dr. Jnanasree Mahathero had been suffering from long-term complications related to old age and was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for the last couple of days. He breathed his last at 4:30 pm today at Ever Care Hospital. He was scheduled to turn 101 on November 18.
His death has deeply saddened Buddhists globally, particularly in Southeast Asia, with the loss casting a pall of gloom among his followers. He is remembered as a virtuous man, "the father of many orphans," a great teacher, and the founder of numerous institutions.
Born on November 18, 1925, in the sacred village of Uttar Gujra (Domkhali) in Raozan upazila, Chattogram, his passing leaves behind thousands of fellows, disciples, and devotees. His mortal remains are scheduled to be preserved in a casket for a national ceremonial cremation. Leaders of various Buddhist religious, socio-cultural, and literary organizations have expressed profound sorrow in their condolence messages.
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