Staff Correspondent

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Monday asked everyone, irrespective of religions and caste, to work together in building a non-communal, happy, prosperous and Smart Bangladesh.

"All religions speak of the welfare of the people . . . Religion is a matter of perception, not of argument. So all should work for the welfare of the country and its people," he told the Christian community people at a programme held at the Gallery Hall of Bangabhaban marking the Christmas Day, reports BSS.

The President and his spouse Dr.Rebecca Sultana hosted a reception to the Christian community leaders at Bangabhaban here on the occasion.

The Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration.

The president said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's dream to build a non-communal Bangladesh and subsequently his daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to fulfill his dream declaring a vision to build a happy-prosperous and 'smart Bangladesh' through ensuring a united work.

Noting that Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony, he said people of all religions have been practicing their religions and rituals freely in this country since long.

On the occasion, the President extended his sincere greetings and congratulations to the Christians of the country and elsewhere across the world, saying that Jesus Christ was a seeker of truth and a guide of light.

He said, Great Jesus Christ had shown the path of truth and justice to the misguided people and worked to make the world a peaceful place.

President Shahabuddin said the teachings and ideals of Jesus Christ can play an effective role in establishing peace in the current war-torn world, including harmony and unity among different ethnic groups.

Dhaka Archbishop Bejoy N. D'Cruz, President of Bangladesh Christian Association Nirmol Rozario and other community dignitaries, diplomats and religious leaders attended the reception.

On the occasion, the President also cut a cake at the Durbar Hall and took part in the photo session with the guests.