DHAKA, June 15 -- During the 10th-11th Century, he was known in Bangladesh, ancient India, China and northern Asian countries, as saint-philosopher by virtue of his unique character, erudition, scholarly attributes, and spiritual eminence.

He was a man of many talents and served everybody without regard of caste, color, sex, or religion.

That was why hundreds of people, including academics, economists, foreign diplomats and leaders of various religions, have gathered in a memorial function in Bangladesh capital Dhaka to commemorate Atish Dipankar Srijnan (980-1053) on the 37th anniversary of return of his ashes from China to his country of birth.

Speaking at the ceremonies, retired Lieutenant General Mahbubur Rahman, also the former Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh Army, said Atish's legacy is timeless and will continue to inspire mankind in its search for peace, harmony and amity.

"There is no exaggeration to say today that he was really the eye of Asia," Rahman said.

The ashes of Atish were returned by China to Bangladesh in 1978.

Rahman said he was indeed the "loftiest preacher" of love and happiness, purity and peace, kindness and humility, benevolence and humanity.

Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador Ma Mingqiang paid tribute to Atish by saying that the Bangladeshi scholar was "on a mission to preach peace, teach knowledge and share culture with China, including his expertise in mathematics and construction."