Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Burma: Bangladeshi monks urge vote "no"

Source: Kaladan Press Network Please visit and show your support and appreciation

Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh: International Burmese Monks organization, Inc (Bangladesh Branch) organized a signature campaign against the ensuing May referendum exhorting people to cats the "No" vote on April 26, at Tawya monastery in Cox's Bazaar, Bangladesh, according to a Kaladan Press staff reporter.

The campaign was chaired by International Burmese Monks organization, Inc (Bangladesh) president Sayadaw U Maygyiya with other two politicians in exile.

The master of ceremony called people to pray for those who lost their lives to restore democracy in Burma in 1988 and 2007.

After the prayer, the master of ceremony called on people to sign the petition paper to cast the "No" vote in the referendum for which the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) is trying to garner support.

Some Sayadw delivered speeches on religion and how to protect it and its workers in keeping with the Buddhist religion. Some monks urged people to work with other religious as they were being persecuted by the ruling junta also.

The chairperson told the participants, "SPDC's basic constitutional law was not made by people's representatives and its referendum will not support the people's desire and religion. If you support the law, it will allow the ruling junta to rule the country with your permission by killing and torturing within the law. So, we, the International Burmese Monks organization, Inc (Bangladesh) urge to the people of Burma to vote "No" in the forthcoming May referendum."

There were more than 30 persons while 20 monks attended the ceremony. Others were Burmese democracy activities in exile including two Rohingyas who live in Bangladesh.