COX'S BAZAR: Ukhia Central Ananda Bhaban Bihar is building a 130-foot Buddha statue on the ground of the monastery in Cox's Bazar.
Leaders of the Buddhist community say the 130-foot statue of Gautama Buddha and the 40-foot statue of Mahaparinirvana are being built at the same place. It will be one of the largest Buddha statues in the country as well as in Asia.
The construction work on the statue which started in 2017 is going on in full swing. The rest of the work including painting may be completed soon and the statue may be opened in 2022.
Subhash Barua, a local resident, said it would be the largest Buddha statue in Asia. Earlier, a 110-foot Buddha statue was built at Ramu in Cox's Bazar.
Master Ashish Sharma said this time the foundation stone has been added to the largest Buddha statue in Asia. It can be a popular destination for a large number of local and foreign worshippers and visitors. "It will be possible only if we can preach well," he added.
Local Union Parishad chairman Jahangir Chowdhury said work on the statue was nearing completion. "Once completed, it will attract a huge number of foreign tourists and worshippers. I believe that it will carry on the tradition of Ukhia."
Pragya Bodhi Mahathero, founder of the statue and principal of Ananda Bhaban Buddhist Monastery in Ukhia, said the construction work on the statue started in 2017.
"We have plans to open it in 2022 after completion of the rest of the work including painting. Another Tk 15 million is required to complete the work of the statue."
Apart from this idol, there is a 110-foot tall lion bed statue of Gautama Buddha on the hilltop of Mithachari north of Ramu in Cox's Bazar. Just two kilometres away, the central boundary has been rebuilt.