Buddhist Monastery in Bangladesh Serves Daily Iftar to Muslims, Promoting Interfaith Solidarity

A Buddhist organization in Bangladesh is once again demonstrating interfaith solidarity by providing daily iftar meals to poor and fasting Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan.

The initiative takes place at the historic Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery, located in the Basabo area of Sabujbagh in Dhaka, and has continued for more than fourteen years.

Every afternoon during Ramadan, nearly 300 low-income Muslims gather outside the monastery, where they receive tokens and later collect their iftar packets to break their fast at sunset. The program is organized by the Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha and its youth wing.

Each day, more than 300 Muslims receive the meals.

Speaking to RVA News, Brahmanda Pratap Barua, president of the organization’s youth wing, said the initiative began in 2013. He explained that the late Venerable Suddhananda Mahathero, then principal of the monastery, was moved after speaking with daily wage earners and beggars.

When he asked them where they usually broke their fast during Ramadan, many replied that they depended on whatever food they could collect during the day. Their situation prompted the monk to begin distributing iftar meals so underprivileged Muslims could break their fast with dignity.

Barua said no one is turned away. When more people arrive than expected, volunteers purchase additional meals from nearby shops to ensure everyone receives food. He added that the group believes caring for those in need is a shared value across religions.

For many recipients, the gesture carries meaning beyond the meal itself. Tania Akhter, who regularly comes to the monastery during Ramadan, said the respect and sincerity shown by Buddhist volunteers make the experience meaningful.

Local residents say the daily gathering has become a visible sign of cooperation between communities in the neighborhood.

Founded in 1951, the Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery is one of the best-known Buddhist institutions in Bangladesh and is widely involved in humanitarian activities. The iftar distribution has continued even after the death of Venerable Suddhananda Mahathero in 2020.

Each Ramadan, monks and volunteers continue the practice of serving hundreds of fasting Muslims, maintaining a tradition that highlights peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among religious communities in Bangladesh.