Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday sought cooperation from all, irrespective of religion, caste and creed, in making the country more prosperous where there will be no ultra-poor.

‘Our aim is that there’ll be no ultra-poor in the country. We’re working for the welfare of the people of all religions. I want cooperation from all of you to this end,’ she said.

The Prime Minister was exchanging greetings with Christian community members at the green lawn of Ganobhaban, marking the Christmas to be celebrated on Tuesday, reports the UNB.

Describing Bangladesh as a country of non-communal spirit, she said it belongs to people from all castes, creeds and religions. ‘Those who’re born on the soil of this country are children of Bangladesh. All will perform their religious rituals equally,’ she said.

Sheikh Hasina said a beautiful non-communal harmony prevails in the country where religions might be for individuals, but the festival is for all.

Citing the slogan ‘religion is for individual but festival is for all’ adopted by her government, she said, ‘We believe in this slogan wholeheartedly and celebrate all festivals accordingly.’

The Prime Minister said the people of the country have the right to perform their religious rituals independently and everyone should respect other religions like his/her one. ‘Who does what is not the big thing. We want everyone to live in the country peacefully. There’ll be no room for militancy and terrorism,’ she said.

She said the government wants to build the country as a peaceful one imbued with the spirit and thoughts of the Father of the Nation where people will earn their livelihood in a peaceful manner. ‘Bangladesh will be a hunger- and poverty- free developed and prosperous country,’ she added.

Awami League Central Working Committee member Vice-principal Remon Areng, Christian League General Secretary Daniel D’Costa, Jewel Areng, MP, and President of Bangladesh Christian Association Nirmal Rozario also spoke on the occasion.

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

Artistes of the Christian community rendered a number of songs of the Christmas Day on the occasion. 

In the beginning, a special prayer was offered seeking blessings of the Lord Jesusfor continued peace, progress and prosperity of the nation.