President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Monday urged everyone to work for the welfare of the country and its people irrespective of religion and caste.

"Religion is a matter of perception, not of argument. So all should work for the welfare of the country and its people," he said.

He was speaking at a reception programme for the Christian community members held at the Gallery Hall of Bangabhaban marking the Christmas Day.

Read: Ambassador to Indonesia calls on President Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban

The president and his spouse Dr.Rebeka Sultana hosted the reception.p

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

The president said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's dream was to build a non-communal Bangladesh.

His daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is now working to fulfill his dream with a vision to build a happy-prosperous and Smart Bangladesh."

Noting that Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony, he said people of all religions have been practicing their religions and rituals freely in this country since long.

On the occasion, the president extended his greetings and congratulations to the Christians of the country and elsewhere across the world, saying that Jesus Christ was a seeker of truth and a guide of light.

Read: Ensure quick delivery of justice: President tells judges

He said Jesus Christ had shown the path of truth and justice to the misguided people and worked to make the world a peaceful place.

President Shahabuddin 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.

Dhaka Archbishop Bejoy N. D'Cruz, President of Bangladesh Christian Association Nirmol Rozario and other community dignitaries, diplomats and religious leaders attended the reception.

On the occasion, the president also cut a cake at the Durbar Hall and took part in the photo session with the guests.