Staff Reporter: The World Federation of Bangladeshi Buddhists (WFBB), an international organization of Bangladeshi Buddhists, has strongly protested against a controversial publication called ‘Buddha Graphic Guide’ published by Not for Sale Club. Local time on Sunday (September 26) WFBB the protest meeting was held under the presided by convener Dr. Basumitra Barua (United States).
Executive member of the organization (from Dhaka) Mitayan Chakma spoke as the keynote speaker of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Dhaka Dr. Sumon Kanti Barua. In his discussion, the keynote speaker said that the fact that you are also concerned about the publication of the controversial ‘Buddha Graphic Guide’ from different countries outside Bangladesh has increased our sense of responsibility and awareness.
He said it was beyond the comprehension of the Buddhist leaders that the people concerned living in a civilized society would publish a book about the Buddha with ugly pictures and misinformation. At places where the book was published or in Bihar, no participant was given the opportunity to purchase or purchase the book, and the number of books presented at the event was repatriated by the publishers.Therefore, no one had a chance to see or read the book well at the event.
The publishers claim that the book was published only for members of the Not for Sale organization.
The president Basumitra Barua said the book contains not only obscene pictures, but more than 20 erroneous and misleading information.
Member Secretary Suhas Barua (Boston) said, “We were very interested and happy with the way the publication festival was talked about on television two days before the publication of the book ‘Buddha Graphic Guide’ I am shocked and condemn those involved in such publications. He appealed to the Buddhist leaders not to serve the society in a sporadic manner and to be more aware and responsible in their respective positions.
The members of the organization called upon the leaders of Krishti Prachar Sangha, Buddhist Samiti and other organizations and conscious individuals to take initiative to ban such publications with the help of law in Bangladesh. They emphasized the importance of establishing an ‘information and research center’ for Buddhists to examine and review any Buddhist and Buddhist publications before publishing them.
He also called upon the professors and teachers of the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust, Bangladesh Pali Education Board and various educational institutions to be more aware and contribute to the welfare of the nation by adopting far-reaching and timely action plans. Among others who spoke at the meeting were Ranbir Barua Rana from New York, Sumon Barua from India, Ripon Barua Tapas from Paris, Ashish Barua from Canada, Palash Barua from Switzerland, Ripon Barua from London, Sumedh Tapas Barua from Italy, Lovela from Norway, Pratik Barua from Japan, Udayan Barua from France, Shimul Barua from Boston, Asim Barua from Korea.
Note that the first book in the ‘Book Revolution’ series, the full biography of Siddhartha Gautam Buddha, the Collector’s Edition ‘Buddha Graphic Guide’ has been released.
Last Monday (September 20), Bhantera (religious guru), the head of 11 Buddhist monasteries in the country, including the capital, unveiled the book.
Ananda Mitra Mahathero, Vice-President, unveiled the book at Basabo Dharmarajik Buddha Bihar in the morning. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the senior vice president of the Bangladesh Buddhist Krishi Prachar Sangha. Radiation Prasad Barua, Vice-President Ranjit Kumar Barua, Joint-Secretary General. Sumon Kanti Barua, Organizing Secretary Anupam Barua and Professor Sukmal Barua.
Not for Sale Club, a readers’ organization, publishes books on its own initiative outside the traditional publishing houses. The organization is publishing the first book in the country under the slogan ‘Buy, Not Acquire’.
