PM exchanges Xmas greetings with Christian community

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DHAKA, Dec 21, 2017 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said Bangladesh is a secular country where people of every religion, caste and creed have the right to live with own dignity and religious freedom.

“Bangladesh was born as a secular country as people of every religion fought together to liberate the country in 1971. So the country belongs to all people irrespective of caste, creed and religions and everyone has the right to perform religious rites independently,” she said.

The Prime Minister was exchanging greetings with members of the Christian community on the eve of Christmas on the green lawn of Ganobhaban here this afternoon.

Extending her greetings to the members of the Christian community on the eve of Christmas Day, she wished them happy and prosperous life.

Sheikh Hasina urged the members of the Christian community to uphold non-communal spirit seeking their wholehearted cooperation to build Bangladesh as a prosperous country.

Sheikh Hasina said religion is for individual and festival is for all. The present government has created congenial atmosphere so that every people can jointly celebrate the religious festival and national programmes.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s stunning advancement in all socio-economic fronts, she said, due to the achievements Bangladesh has ensured its dignity amidst global community. Now no nation can neglect Bangladesh.

Pointing out the recent visit of Pope Francis to Bangladesh, the prime minister said not only the Christian community, people of all regions and faiths were happy to see him visiting Dhaka.

In this connection, the Prime Minister conveyed her thanks to Pope for his call to the international community to stand beside Bangladesh on the Rohingya issues.

Sheikh Hasina said people of Bangladesh feel proud of having Arch Bishop Patrick D’ Rozario as the first Bangalee cardinal of the Catholic Church.

Speaking as special guest, Arch Bishop Patrick D’ Rozario expressed heartiest gratitude to the Prime Minister and her government for extending all out assistance and support during the visit of Pope Francis in Bangladesh.

Patrick D’ Rozario also highly appreciated the security measures taken by the government during that time saying members of the Christian Community from across the country came to Dhaka and returned to their homes safely.

Awami League Central Working Committee member Vice Principal Remon Areng, Vice President of Bangladesh Christian Association Jewel Areng, MP, Secretary of Bangladesh Christian Association Nirmal Rozario and President of Asia Pacific Alliance of YMCS Markus Gomez also spoke on the occasion.

Later, the Prime Minister cut an X-Mass Day cake in presence of members of the Christian community.

The Prime Minister sang Christmas carols along with members of the Christian community.

At the outset, a special prayer was offered seeking blessings of Jesus Christ for continued peace, progress and prosperity of the nation.