17 May 2019 | 12:38 AM UTC
Bangladesh: Buddha Purnima (Buddha’s birthday) celebrations May 17-18
Buddha’s birthday celebrations to be held nationwide May 17-18; heightened security measures and commerical disruptions expected
Event
Buddha Purnima, or Buddha’s birthday celebrations, are set to take place nationwide on Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18. A march will be held in Dhaka from Shahbagh to the National Press Club on Friday, and celebratory rallies will take place at pagodas in the Uttara, Bashabo, Badda, and Mirpur districts of the capital on Saturday. Similar events are expected throughout the country. Heightened security measures will be implemented nationwide for the occasion (increased number of personnel, checkpoints, and cordon-and-search operations) near event sites. Localized transportation and business disruptions are also to be anticipated.
Advice
Individuals in Bangladesh are advised to avoid large public gatherings as a precaution, respect local customs, anticipate an increased security presence, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
