The soil of Bangladesh is for the people of every religion: PM Sheikh Hasina

"We have many obstacles. We must overcome the hurdles as we work for welfare of the people. These obstacles could not slow our pace of work," she said seeking cooperation from all to move the country forward.

The Prime Minister said this while exchanging greetings with members of the Christian community on the eve of Christmas 2015 at her Gonobhaban residence here on Tuesday evening.

The prime minister said Bangladesh is a secular country where people of every religion would live peacefully. People of every religion, creed and colour took part in the War of Liberation and shed blood for independence. "So the soil of Bangladesh is for the people of every religion."

Sheikh Hasina said her party firmly believes that religion is for individuals but festivals are for all. Everybody would perform religion freely and show honour to the religions of others, and it is the spirit of our War of Liberation, she added.

The prime minister said every religion preaches peace. "So we want to establish peace for our prosperity. Our government is striving for peace and prosperity."

Members of the Christian community welcomed the Prime Minister with Tagore song "Anandoloke Mongolaloke Birajo Satyo Sundara". The function began with recitation from the holy Bible by Bishop Paul Shishir Sarkar. Leaders of the Christmas community greeted the Premier by presenting a bouquet of flowers.

A "Christmas Tree" was decorated at Gonobhaban while songs highlighting the significance of Christmas Day and praising Jesus Christ and patriotic songs were rendered on the occasion.

Bishops, Fathers, and distinguished persons of the Christian community attended the function. Minister for Religious Affairs Principal Matiur Rahman, State Minister for Social Welfare and President of Bangladesh Christian Association (BCA) Advocate Promode Mankin, Archbishop Patrick D Rozario and Secretary General of the association Nirmal Rozario also spoke on the occasion.

Later, the Prime Minister cut a Christmas cake and the BCA president and the secretary general presented a Christmas card to the Prime Minister.

The Premier entertained the delegation members with cakes and sweetmeats.

Responding to the appreciation of Prime Minister for her government's success over the years in various fields, Sheikh Hasina said, "I always believe myself as a servant of the people. The post of Prime Minister is temporary for me," she said, adding that she never used the power to make her own fortunes.

Sheikh Hasina said peace and progress of Bangladesh always faced setback when BNP came to power. In 2001, the people of no religion could escape their torture, wrath and hatred, she said.

The Prime Minister said her government is making constant stride for changing the lot of the people, alleviating hunger and poverty by ensuring their rights to basic needs.

Responding to a demand for making a full minister from the Christian community, the Prime Minister said she would consider giving the portfolio of a cabinet minister to incumbent state minister Promode Mankin during next reshuffle of her cabinet.

Sheikh Hasina said her government wants to ensure a peaceful society where people of all religions will be able to live in peace and enjoy basic rights and religious freedom.

But, it's true that the religious minorities of the country were always tortured particularly whenever BNP and its allies were in power, she said, adding that it's the duty of the state to ensure an atmosphere where the people of all religions can live with equal rights and religious freedom.

She thanked the members of the Christian community for converging on Gonobhaban on the eve of Christmas.