Uphold BD's glorious tradition of communal harmony: President

President Abdul Hamid called upon all to play an effective role from their respective positions in upholding the country's glorious tradition of communal harmony and brightening it further, reports UNB.

The President made the call while exchanging greetings with members of the Christian community at Bangabhaban in the city on Monday, marking Christmas Day.

Mentioning that the people of all religions in Bangladesh are tied with mutual love and affection, the President urged all to work together for building a happy, prosperous and non-communal Bangladesh.

Greeting the people of Christian community on the occasion, he said Christmas is being celebrated in Bangladesh this year amid more joyous and festive mood as Pope Francis, the leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics, visited Bangladesh last month for the first time, and exchanged views with people and was informed about their sentiment.

President Hamid said the Pope's visit will help strengthen further Bangladesh's image as a country of communal harmony.

Referring to the plight of forcibly displaced Rohingyas, he said Bangladesh has shown an instance of humanitarian act in the world by sheltering the Rohingyas.

Terming Jesus Christ as an ambassador of emancipation and beacon, he said Jesus Christ had preached the sermons of peace in the world as his philosophy was to establish a peaceful society with full of love, services, forgiveness, compassion and justice.

Mentioning that the Jesus Christ gave importance to the unity, sacrifice, self-restraint and charity than that of comfort of the worldly life, he said, "I think the teachings and ideals of Jesus Christ are very rational to establish peace, harmony and unity in nation-to-nation of this problematic world."

President Hamid and his wife Rashida Khanam hosted the reception at the presidential palace where a candle-lit Christmas tree was set up.

Cardinal of Bangladesh Patrick D' Rozario, ambassadors and representatives from different foreign missions, distinguished persons of the Christian community, religious leaders and professionals joined the reception.

A group of singers performed the Christmas carol at the reception.

Later, President Hamid cut a Christmas cake with members of the Christian community.