President for strengthening tradition of communal harmony

President Abdul Hamid has urged all to play an effective role from their respective position in further strengthening the tradition of communal harmony in the country.

"Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony. The people of the country have been tied with love and harmony from time immemorial and we all have to play an effective role in further strengthening this tradition of harmony," he said while talking to the media during exchanging of greetings with members of the Christian community on the occasion of Christmas Day at Bangabhaban here on Monday.

Abdul Hamid called upon all to work together with a view to building Bangladesh as a happy, prosperous and secular country.

He said Christmas is being celebrated in Bangladesh this year amid more joyously and festivity as Archbishop of Bangladesh Patrick D Rozario has been promoted to cardinal, the first ever to reach such a high position from Bangladesh, by Pope Francis.

The President congratulated him on his appoint as cardinal and said this achievement would brighten further the country`s existing trend of communal harmony across the globe.

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 Abdul Hamid cut a Christmas cake with members of the Christian community.

Religious Affairs Minister Principal Motiur Rahman was present on the occasion.