Boost glorious tradition of communal harmony: Hamid

President M Abdul Hamid yesterday called upon all to play an effective role from their respective position in strengthening the glorious tradition of communal harmony in Bangladesh.

"People of all religions are tied with mutual love and harmony. All have to play an effective role to strengthen our glorious tradition," he said while exchanging greetings with members of the Christian community on the occasion of Christmas Day at Bangabhaban yesterday.

Noting that the country has a long illustrious communal harmony, the President urged all to work together for building a happy, prosperous and non-communal Bangladesh.

Abdul Hamid said Christmas is being celebrated in Bangladesh this year with festivity as Pope Francis, the leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics, visited Bangladesh last month and exchanged views with the people.

"His official visit to Bangladesh would help uphold the image of the communal harmony prevailing in the country," the president hoped.

Referring to the plight of the displaced Rohingyas, he said Bangladesh has shown humanity across the globe by sheltering the Rohingyas, who fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar's Rakhine state being victims of military atrocities.

Abdul Hamid greeted the people of Christian community on the occasion.

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

He said Jesus Christ gave importance to unity, sacrifice, self-restraint and charity than that of comfort of the worldly life.

"I think the teachings of Jesus Christ are very rational to establish peace, harmony and unity in this problematic world", the president added.

President Hamid and Rashida Khanam hosted the reception at the Bangabhabn where a decorated Christmas tree was set.

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 Christmas carol at the reception.

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