Bangladesh a model of communal harmony ******

Bangladesh is a model of communal and religious harmony, visiting cardinal of Vatican Jean-Louis Tauran said Thursday, reports UNB. Cardinal Tauran, president of Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue based in Vatican, made the remark when he paid a courtesy call on President M Zillur Rahman at Bangabhaban. The cardinal said he has brought the blessings from Pope Benedict XVI for the people of all walks of life in Bangladesh. Welcoming Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran to Bangabhaban, the President said Bangladesh constitution guarantees equal rights for all citizens to practise their respective religions freely. "People of all faiths live in Bangladesh in complete communal and religious harmony," he said, adding: "It's the tradition of Bangladesh." Mentioning that there exists excellent relationship between Bangladesh and the Vatican, he expressed the hope that the relation would strengthen further in the days to come. President M Zillur Rahman, through the cardinal, conveyed his greetings to Pope Benedict XVI and also invited him to visit Bangladesh at his convenience. Local Arch Bishop and secretaries to the President's office were present during the meeting.