President Md. Sahabuddin has called for further strengthening the bond of communal harmony to establish a non-discrimination, corruption-free and justice-based state.
He said this in his greetings to Christian leaders and countrymen at a reception and greeting exchange program organized by the President on Christmas, the biggest religious festival of the Christian community, at Bangabhaban on Wednesday (December 25).
Stating that the main theme of all religions is service and welfare of the people, the President called on everyone, regardless of religion or caste, to work for the welfare of the country and the people.
He said, Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony. In this country, people of all religions have been practicing their respective religions and rituals freely and in a joyful atmosphere since time immemorial.
President Sahabuddin extended his heartfelt greetings and warm congratulations to the people of the world, including the followers of the Christian faith in the country. He said that Jesus Christ was a seeker of truth and a guide to light. He called the lost people to the path of truth and justice.
The Head of State said that Jesus Christ always taught people to love, serves, forgive, establish justice, and live in peace. He also commented that if the teachings of Jesus Christ are reflected in everyone's lives, the path to establishing peace in society will be smooth.
The Head of State said that he would advise his devotees to do what is good in the eyes of all people, without doing evil to anyone in return for evil.
In the current world context, he believes that the teachings and ideals of Jesus Christ can make a fruitful contribution to establishing peace in a war-torn world, including establishing harmony and unity among different ethnic groups.
He hopes that a modern and developed Bangladesh will be built through the efforts of everyone, regardless of race, religion, and color, and that the world will move forward on the path of peace, welfare, and light.
The President cut a cake to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. He exchanged greetings with Christian religious leaders. During this time, he participated in a photo session.
The President's wife Dr. Rebecca Sultana, Religious Adviser to the Interim Government AFM Khalid Hossain, Archbishop Vijay N. D'Cruz, Ambassador to Vatican City Kevin S. Randell, President of Bangladesh Christian Association Nirmal Rosario, Father Albert Rosario and Reverend Martha Das, concerned secretaries, representatives of various diplomatic missions, prominent figures of the Christian community and religious leaders were present at the reception.