I feel happy and privileged to be part of the celebrations of Mr. Paul Kan and his company - Champion Technology Holdings Ltd. While sharing with them the joy of celebrations, I feel deeply inspired with the universal values of peace, harmony and compassion so boldly conveyed by symbolic Avalokitesvara and related artifacts from China’s Tibet here on exhibition.

The pieces are reflective not only of the artistic and cultural riches of China but also its civilization heights as they eloquently express China’s lofty spiritual quests for harmony and peace. Here, in these quests and centuries of practice as well as promotion of these values, the people of China and we in Bangladesh feel so connected and come ever closer. The world knows that being home to four great religions – Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity, Bangladesh has experienced social tranquility, religious harmony, moderation in views, loftiness of thoughts and peace within and around as its people are guided by the common essence of these religions.

As in China’s Tibet and beyond, Buddhist civilization flourished also in Bangladesh for centuries until early 11th century, deeper influence of which made Islam readily acceptable to masses in the early 13th century when Islam’s similar call for equality, compassion, and peace came through Muslim saints. Bangladesh has always been in deep interaction and active exchange with China, particularly its Tibet and remained culturally and spiritually connected since early times. Chinese scholars like Fa Hien and Ma Huan apart from some unknown students visited our region in olden times braving almost insurmountable Himalayas. Great medieval Arab traveler Ibn Batuta carried unwritten message of friendship and peace of our people when he visited China from Bangladesh. The connection can be seen in the instance of one of the finest minds of Bangladesh. The greatest South Asian Buddhist philosopher/scholar of his time the Atish Dipankar Srijnan went to China’s Tibet in mid 11th century, enlightened people there and conveyed the Buddhist message of compassion, harmony and peace for long 13 years until death. The title Atish, meaning the greatest one, was awarded by the then Tibetan king in recognition of that contribution.

I hail the initiative of Mr. Paul Kan and reiterate our dedication to the culture of harmony, compassion and peace in this troubled world of today.

AFM Gousal Azam Sarker