Staff Correspondent

President Mohammed Shahabuddin today urged all to strengthen the bond of communal harmony in establishing a non-discriminatory, corruption-free and justice-based state.

He made the remarks while exchanging greetings with members of the Christian community at a reception ceremony at Bangabhaban's Durbar Hall here.

The President and his wife Dr Rebecca Sultana hosted the reception marking the Christmas Day, the biggest religious festival of the Christian community, this noon.

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

Mentioning that the basic principle of all religions is to serve and ensure welfare of the people, the President called upon all, irrespective of religions and caste, to work for the welfare of the country and its people.

The Head of the State said, "Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony . . . Since long people of all religions have been practicing their respective religions and rituals freely and happily."

On the occasion, President Shahabuddin extended his sincere and warm greetings to the Christians of the country and the people of the world as well.

Noting that Great Jesus Christ was a truth-seeker and a guide of light as he always invited the misguided people to the path of truth and justice, the President said Jesus Christ always taught people to love, serve, forgive, establish justice and peaceful coexistence.

If the teachings of Jesus Christ can be reflected in everyone's life, the way to establish peace in the society will be smooth, he observed.

The President said, "He (Jesus) used to advise the devotees to do what is good in the eyes of all people, without doing evil for evil."

He 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.

The President cut a Merry Christmas cake to mark the birthday of Jesus Christ.

He exchanged greetings with Christian religious leaders and also took part in the photo-session.

President's wife Dr Rebecca Sultana, Religious Affairs Adviser to the interim government Abul Fayez Muhammad Khalid Hossain, Bishop Bejoy Nicephorus D'Cruze, Vatican City ambassador Kevin S Randell and some other envoys, Bangladesh Christians Association president Nirmal Rozario, Father Albert Rozario and Reverest Martha Das, secretaries concerned, representatives from different foreign missions, distinguished persons of the Christian community, and religious leaders attended the reception.