DHAKA (Bangladesh): The second highest Buddhist leader of Bangladesh and head of Sima Bihar of Ramu in Cox’s Bazar, Satyapriya Mohathero passed away in Dhaka today. He was 89 years old.

Born in Cox’s Bazar’s Ramu in 1930, he became a monk in 1950 and took over as the President of the Bangladesh Sangharaja of Bhikkhu Mahasabha in 2006.

He was awarded the second-highest civilian award of Bangladesh Ekushey Padak in 2015 for social work.

Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid expressed his condolences on Satyapriya’s death.

In a condolence message, the president expressed deep shock at his death. He also prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed profound sympathy to the bereaved family.

The prominent Buddhist leader embraced the monk life in 1950.

He took over as the president of the Bangladesh Sangharaja of Bhikkhu Mahasabha, an association of senior Buddhist monks, in 2006 before the title of deputy Sangharaj was conferred on him.

The Ramu monastery had provided shelter to a large number of people during the Liberation War of Bangladesh 1971 in the face of Pakistani atrocities.

However, in September 2012, it suffered massive damage as mobs attacked it, angered by an alleged post on Social Media derogatory to Islam.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have condoled the death of the revered Buddhist Monk of Bangladesh.