President Mohammed Shahabuddin has called for strengthening the bonds of communal harmony to establish a nation free from corruption and injustice.
He made the appeal on Wednesday (25 December) during a Christmas reception at Bangabhaban, where he exchanged greetings with Christian leaders and extended his best wishes to the Christian community and the nation.
Addressing the audience, the President remarked that the essence of every religion lies in serving and benefiting humanity.
He urged people of all faiths and communities to work collectively for the welfare of the country and its citizens.
"Bangladesh is a land of communal harmony where people of all religions have long observed their faith and traditions in a free and joyous atmosphere," he stated.
Extending warm greetings to Christians at home and abroad, the president praised Jesus Christ as a seeker of truth and a guiding light.
"Jesus Christ has called upon the misguided to embrace truth and justice," he said, noting that the teachings of Christ emphasise love, service, forgiveness, justice, and peaceful coexistence.
The president highlighted that adopting the teachings of Christ would pave the way for peace in society.
He noted, "Jesus Christ advised his followers to respond to evil not with malice but with thoughtful actions that are deemed good in everyone's eyes."
In light of the current global context, he expressed his belief that Christ's teachings and ideals could play a significant role in fostering harmony and unity among diverse communities and in establishing peace in conflict-ridden regions.
President expressed hope that a modern and advanced Bangladesh would be built through the combined efforts of people from all walks of life, leading the world on a path of peace, prosperity, and enlightenment.
The event concluded with the president cutting a Christmas cake to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
He exchanged greetings with Christian religious leaders and participated in a photo session with them.
