Religion for individuals, festivals for all

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday sought cooperation from all, irrespective of religions, casts and creeds, in making Bangladesh a more prosperous country.

"This is our country, this country is for the people of all religions, casts and creeds...We want to make the country more developed and prosperous. I want cooperation from all of you," she said.

The prime minister made the remarks while exchanging greetings with Christian community members at Gano Bhaban, marking the Christmas Day to be celebrated on December 25.

She said Bangladesh is a country of non-communal spirit and it belongs to all as people from all casts and creeds and religions fought to liberate it in 1971. "That's why all can independently perform the rituals of their respective religions."

"Religion is for individuals while festivals for all," said the prime minister adding that the government ensured equal rights of all religious communities to celebrate various religious and national day programmes.

"We all participate in any festival. We want to maintain this spirit to be upheld in the future," she said.

Hasina greeted members of the Christian community on the eve of Christmas Day and wished them a happy and prosperous life.

Speaking as special guest, Country's top religious leader of the Christian community Arch Bishop Patrick D' Rozario expressed heartiest gratitude to the PM and her government for extending all-out assistance and support during the visit of Pope Francis to Bangladesh. Later, the prime minister cut a cake in presence of members of Christian community.