President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday expressed the hope that the visit of Pope Francis to Bangladesh would further strengthen the country’s relationship with Vatican City.
They expressed the hope in separate messages on the eve of the three-day apostolic and official visit of Pope Francis, the chief priest of the world’s Catholics Christian community, to Bangladesh from November 30 to December 2.
In his message, the President said Pope Francis’ visit to Bangladesh with the theme ‘Harmony and Peace’ at the time of conflict among nations and mutual mistrust is a memorable event.
“I hope his visit will blow the air of equality, unity, harmony and peace not only in the Christian community but also among the people of all religions,” Hamid added.
He recalled the contributions of the Christian community in eliminating poverty alongside improving quality of education, healthcare services and creating employment through various cooperative programmes in the country.
In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, “I am thankful and grateful to Pope Francis, the chief priest of the world’s Catholics Christian community, for making a visit to Bangladesh responding to the invitation of the Bangladesh government and the local Catholic community”.
She hoped that the relationship between Bangladesh and Vatican City will strengthen further through this visit.
The premier recalled the role of the country’s Christian community in the War of Liberation in 1971 and remembered the Christian martyrs with respect.
Terming Bangladesh as a country of religious harmony, the Prime Minister said by tradition people of all faiths are living in harmony in the country with equal dignity.
The President and Prime Minister wished all-out success of Pope’s visit and his good health and long life.
